Maintenance - Pushpit Repair

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Pushpit Repair

Printed From: Laser 28 International Class Association
Category: Laser 28 General
Forum Name: Maintenance
Forum Description: All the things to care for your boat
URL: http://www.laser28.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=365
Printed Date: 16 May 2024 at 10:26pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Pushpit Repair

Posted By: tonycooke
Subject: Pushpit Repair
Date Posted: 30 November 2009 at 8:56pm

Hi Everyone,

I just had my pushpit repaired/rebuilt. The 7/8 tubes (especially the top ones) were bent a bit and the baseplates didn't align well with the deck, so keeping water out was a problem. Also, closing the gates was awkward. I suspect the bending was likely done by folks sitting on the pushpit top rail whilst the boat was well heeled.
After much discussion of alternate solutions my local stainless steel fabricator cut off and discarded the top tube, straightened the other tubes, then welded on a new 1 inch diameter top tube with a thicker wall than the original 7/8 tubes. It was tricky to bend,I understand! The result looks like it came out of the factory that way, and it is far, far stiffer and sturdier. I also used some larger and heavier backing plates for the nuts when reinstalling.
Next project - reinforcing the winch mountings by glassing in s. steel backing plates. We like to cross winch in heavy air to keep everyone on the high side, but it is scary to see the boat flexing under the leeward winch!
Tony