Removing the stanchions

[richter372001]

To reduce the height of the trailered 26x in order to fit it in my driveway, I would consider removing the stanchons.
Can anyone offer any info if this is viable, how difficult it is and maybe give some pointers on how to do it?

Thanks!

[Retcoastie]

You can't have stock stantions! The stock stations do not come above the black stripe and should not be a height restriction on the overall boat. But, they are easily remove by loosening and removing two bolts on each stantion.

[Hardcrab]

I'm thinking he means the bunks.
If so, I dont think they can be lowered much more because the inboard side of the bunks are already almost against the trailer frame, with the outboard ends simply raised to meet the hull.
The bow "vee bunks" are the limiting factor, I believe.
At best, maybe an inch or so lower, and alot of work.
I'm just guessing, never tried it before.
But, one would get that much lowering if the tires were deflated somewhat.
Or put some spacers between the springs and axle to lower the whole trailer relative to the tires.
Or take the tires off and lower the trailer onto some short dolly blocks for temporary movement ability.
Or dig a tire trench.
Or raise the obstruction.
Or find another place to park.

OK, I'll shut up.

[richter372001]

I was talking about the upright, stainless steel posts that are connected by the lifelines..

[Retcoastie]

Sorry, my bad

[Frank C]

You don't want to be removing, AND REPLACING, stanchions. It's just not a practical thing to be doing, since each one is mounted with 4 bolts through the deck, and they require full watertight bedding to prevent leaks.

Is this a one-time mod ... just remove the stanchions permanently??

[richter372001]

Nah, it would be a once a year thing, in order to fit the Mac into my parking lot. There is an iron frame above it that holds some wild vine that has grown over the years and created a nice shade. Unfortunately, it also prohibits the entrance to anything above 250 cm. So, I think I could fit the Mac without the mast (245 cms, according to a kind member of the forum who provided the measurement), but removing the stanchions would cinch it.

[Retcoastie]

Here is a thought. Could you remove the tires from the trailer and set the hubs in a couple of U-channel rails? Then, either roll them gently in the rails or pull the rails as a sled. Once clear of the gate, replace the tires and move the trailer where needed. I know it would be a hassle and I don't know what you have to work with, but I would think it would still be easier that removing and resetting the stanchions.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

Ken

[WD]

possible to just raise the steel frame to the required height?

Cheers

[Currie]

Just thought - depending on how bad you want to get the boat into the parking lot....

Cut the stantions off about 4"-6" above the mounting plate. Take the upper pieces into a metal shop and have them weld a stainless steel "plug" or pin (solid or fairly thick tube stock) snuggly inside the tubing. File the inside of the mounted/lower pieces smooth to receive the pin from the uppers. Put them together and drill a hole through to receive a ball pin that holds the two pieces securely together.

Just a thought

~Bob

P.S. (on edit) - Does the bow rail clear? - or is that in need of modification too? That sounds like a bigger job, if it doesn't.

[Trouts Dream]

I think it would be easiest to raise the shed roof or lower the floor, whichever is easiest. That way you only need to do it once whereas the with the stanchions wold have to go on and off each year.

[Don T]

Hello,
The roof overhang on my garage was a problem. My "spot" was only 8'3" wide. My solution was to cut the top 10" off the port stanchions. I used a tubing cutter so as not to cut the inner tube, just the outer. The stanchions are formed out of 1" tube and 7/8" doubled up for strength (on my 95 boat anyway). Now I can undo the life line and slide the tubes up and off giving enough clearance to get beneath the eaves. Has been like this since I bought the boat with no problems.

You can see how tight my "spot" is in the avatar.

[richter372001]

Wow, those are some creative responses. I have to price the cutting of the overhang and a cement/stone post at the entrance first. If the price is prohibitive, I might resort to some sort of stanchion cannibalism....

[Scott]

richter372001, check your inbox. My outbox has had a reply hanging there for some time destined to you.

[sctodd]

did you try taking some air out of the tires ?