R-21 EC Captain's Chair

[Lone Star Ranger]

This weekend, while sitting on the Captain's Chair of my 2008 R-21EC, the support post gave way. The two screws that holds the base of the support post came out from the fiberglass.

After closer inspection, there doesn't seem to be any support other than the fiberglass. Is this correct? Should this have happened? Has this happened to other R-21 owners? I know I need to loose some weight (5' 9", 200 lbs), but I wouldn't expect for this to happen.

What can I do to correct this issue?

 

[abcandjrc]

Do you mean screws as in sheet-metal screws, or screws as in machine screws? I just checked mine and it has two machine screws. Ours is a 2007 model.

Did the fibreglass actually tear, or does it just appear that the fasterners pulled out? The load on that fitting is largely compression toward the fibreglass with some shear downward in the fibreglass. The fibreglass in the area is pretty substantial. It is hard to see how the fitting could fail unless perhaps the nuts fell off for some reason.

If the fibreglass has been damaged a bit, it would pay to put a small aluminum backing plate under the nuts when you reinstall the bracket.

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

These were sheet metal screws that just seemed to have been pulled out or popped out due to the amount of weight (200 lbs) on the chair. I agree, there needs to be a reinforcing backing plate to help in the support. Just didn't know if the factory had such an item. I'm hoping a factory rep will chime in and provide some technical assistance or suggest something.

Now, the bigger issue is the removal of the fridge in order to install a support bracket. Don't know how easy a DIY project that will be or if I should pay someone to do it...which is never inexpensive. :cry:

John

 

[Kenny Marrs]

Hello John,

If you give me a call at the factory (253) 839-5213 I would be happy to answer your questions as well as walk you through the repair of the arm.

Kenny