21EC Reattaching handrail

[hwebber1956]

On my 2013 21EC, I removed the SS handrail on the port side because the baseplates had become bent (whole other story). I was able to reach the rear mount by removing the speaker, and found washers and locknuts on the bottom. I could see no access on the front mount. I tried unscrewing the 1/4-20 machine screws, and they came out. I was hoping for a captive, threaded backing plate. But when I went to reinstall, the screws bottomed out and kept turning. First, I'm scratching my head as to how the locknuts were removed, assuming there were some. More importantly, how will I reinstall securely. Last resort would be toggle bolts. Am I missing something? Is there access?

 

[bob daily]

If you remove the teak wood step/pad you should be able to access the area you want. To remove the steps/pad you will have to remove the four dowels covering the screws then remove step. I would plan on replacing the dowel/plugs as you will probably damage them beyond use when removing. The good news is most hardware stores carry a wide variety of them. Good luck and would love to hear your story as to how the damage to your hand rails was accomplished! Bob

 

[hwebber1956]

Yeah, I tried that. No access hatch under the teak step. But thanks. This boat was in a flood, and among other things apparently a tree or large branch fell on the awning frame and pushed the whole thing to port about 6". I've been able to straighten the tubing with a hydraulic pipe bender from Harbor Freight, but some of the baseplates were also bent.

 

[lproulx]

If there is no opening under step could you create one?

Larry

 

[Newf]

I snapped off the bolt holding my port side railing a couple of years ago. Removed the step and cut a hole big enough to get my hand in. I installed a new pad with two bolts to increase the strength. Replaced the step and installed new plugs.

 

[hwebber1956]

Thanks Larry and Newf. Not the answer I wanted, but now I know. Newf, did you seal the hole up, or just reinstall the step with bedding compound?

 

[Newf]

I just reinstalled the step with a sealant.

 

[Newf]

It sounds like your baseplate is different than mine. My boat it a 2014. No screws visible from the top side. It is basically a flat washer with a bolt, probably tack welded to it, that was then welded to the base of the pipe. So absolutely no way to access the bottom nut on mine without cutting the hole.

The bolt sheared off flush with the bottom of the washer/baseplate. I made a new rectangular baseplate plate with two holes, slid it under the existing washer/baseplate and had it TIG welded. Much stronger that it was before.

The railing would have been installed on the cockpit prior to installing the cockpit on the hull which it why there is no access to it.