Trouble Replacing the Pilot's Chair

HockeyTown4Ever

Recruit
Joined
Jun 13, 2011
Messages
5
I've got a 1987 Bayline Contessa we're restoring. I am trying to replace the Pilot's Chair but cannot seem to get the old one removed. I'm having difficulty unfastening the base where it meets the floor. There are 8 good sized screws that hold the base to the floor. I can get the screws to turn a little (they turn very hard) but they don't seem to be loosening any or coming unscrewed. What little they turn, it seems they just "spin" (although I've only gotten them, at most, two full turns).
It doesn't look like I can reach up under the deck where the chair is screwed down to attach to any bolts or anything.
Any idea how I can loosen and remove the old Pilot's Chair?
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Trouble Replacing the Pilot's Chair

Welcome to iBoats!

Pics will help us to help you, but it sound like the t-nuts or whatever on the underside have broken loose and are spinning. the ONLY way I know is to get a Dremel tool and grind off the heads. You will then have to use some Garelick toggle bolts to reattach


 

reddogg

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 3, 2011
Messages
379
Re: Trouble Replacing the Pilot's Chair

I had the same problem once, had to drill them out. X2 on the togglebolts.

red
 

HockeyTown4Ever

Recruit
Joined
Jun 13, 2011
Messages
5
Re: Trouble Replacing the Pilot's Chair

Thanks. I would have included a picture but I didn't think it added much to the question. All you can see are the screw heads!
I'm going to try to remove those blts that I can and drill out the rest.
Seems like nothing is as easy as it should be....

Thanks again for the advice
 
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