Coaming Pad Removal

[Martin610]

Hi Guys,

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving despite the pandemic.

Getting into my winter projects now. I want to have my coaming pads re-done but I'm not sure how to remove them. These don't seem to have clips and so far I haven't found any hardware on the back side of the pads. Does anyone know how to remove them?



Thanks.
-martin

 

[Crazy Heart]

Not sure if these are the pads you are referring to, but all of my vertical pads in the cockpit, v-berth and mid berth are all hung on a J hooks. They just require a bump up to lift off.

 

[MarcoArias]

As noted above, all of our coaming pads are equipped with z-clips; a small tap from the bottom up should break them free. Feel free to send me an email with a picture of the cushion if you are having trouble with one.

Thanks!

 

[Martin610]

Thanks. I'm going to work on today.

 

[Martin610]

No joy on Venture today. No tap, gentle or persuasive, would move the coaming pads. Used a small hammer. Here's a picture:


I'm referring to the coaming pad above the jump seat. Vinyl needs to be redone. I could feel the head of a Philips screw on the back of the fiberglass. Might get a stubby in there, but it's tight. You're sure its's a z clip?

-martin

 

[JonR]

I have a 2014 C-28 - same pads as you. Mine came off hard the 1st time I removed them but, rest assured, they will pop off when 'tapped' from the bottom 🙂 Put the seat up so you have room to apply upward pressure in the form of a 'bump' on the pad. If you use a hammer, place a 2x4 or something similar along the bottom edge so the blow is distributed and doesn't damage the pad and don't be afraid to give it a good tap. There is probably some wax/dirt/gunk that has built up over time if they have never been removed. Mine were like that. They're simply stuck and may require a good tap to break them loose. Also, try tapping on one end and then the other. i believe there are 2 clips - one aft and one forward.

And just to ensure there is total clarity on what upward means: The pad should slide upward towards the hand rail it's below, parallel to the fiberglass it's attached to. It doesn't rotate upward, it slides. No sideway force. [Not be condescending - just want you to feel comfortable that's you're doing it right]

 

[Martin610]

Oh man, was this frustrating. I had my hammer and a piece of 2x4. I whacked with enthusiasm. Not one iota of movement. I finally got out a square drive bit and a ratchet holder and backed off the screws. I thought if I got it to move a bit, I could shake it loose. Turns out, there were no Z clips. Just screwed directly into the pad from behind the fiberglass. See below:



The best was saved for last. On the port side they must have screwed the coaming pad on before they put in the rod holder. The rod holder blocked the last screw! No way I could get on it. Had to cut it with a hack saw.

This was much harder than it had to be.

When I get the pads back from the upholstery shop I will re-install with clips.

I do appreciate the efforts to help. Hopefully this post will help someone else in future.

-martin

 

[MarcoArias]

Oh man, was this frustrating. I had my hammer and a piece of 2x4. I whacked with enthusiasm. Not one iota of movement. I finally got out a square drive bit and a ratchet holder and backed off the screws. I thought if I got it to move a bit, I could shake it loose. Turns out, there were no Z clips. Just screwed directly into the pad from behind the fiberglass. See below:



The best was saved for last. On the port side they must have screwed the coaming pad on before they put in the rod holder. The rod holder blocked the last screw! No way I could get on it. Had to cut it with a hack saw.

This was much harder than it had to be.

When I get the pads back from the upholstery shop I will re-install with clips.

I do appreciate the efforts to help. Hopefully this post will help someone else in future.

-martin

Hi Martin!

I have sent you a PM requesting some information on the boat, I would like to relay this information back to our production team.

Thanks!

 

[Martin610]

Marco,

PM sent. I appreciate the follow up.

This kind of 'best practice' is very important. It creates a 'feedback loop' that helps ensure build quality and serviceability down the line.

I retired as a Director of Engineering for a very large company. Part of my mandate was to ensure this type of thing made it into the database and was followed up on.

Your follow up demonstrates a commendable commitment to quality by Fluid Motion.

-martin

 

[JonR]

What a pain! I agree - way harder than it should have been. Looks like it was screwed in at six places as well - true?

 

[Martin610]

Actually, it was four. The other two were screws that went into a wood block used to brace the fiberglass.

At least we now know that if a reasonable tap doesn't move it, look for screws. I had a bit holder for a ratchet that worked, although you are working blind the whole time.

BTW, I did find an upholsterer who can reuse the sunbrella fabric and had the exact match of the vinyl. Looks factory when done. He did my stern seat last year.

-martin