Advice for removing A Frame

Buff · 16 March 2009, 21:41

I have been trying to run the cable for my VHF aerial down the inside of my A-frame tubing. Tried a couple of different options, eventually trying to use the cable from by Nav light as a cable pull through or moosie (colloquial Scottish term). C*cked it up and am now left with no cable to my Nav light or VHF aerial and in my opinion no alternative but to remove the A-frame to sort it out.
I have managed to remove the bolts securing the frame to the transom, but the bolts securing it to the floor keep turning to no avail. There are two plates next to where the respective anchor points are for the A-frame on the deck and I wondered if these were to give access to the A-frame nuts? Any thoughts? Pictures attached. It’s a bog standard Humber 1.5” frame. Wanted to check before making any more mistakes!

Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Oh and if I do sort it out, should I resecure everything with Sikkaflex?

Downhilldai · 16 March 2009, 21:47

The A frame is most likely a retrofit, with nuts beneath the deck as you suspect. Get those plates off and have a snoop in there. Hope it's all dry. Sikaflex is the stuff to seal it back up. Do you really want to be re-fitting those bits of tread plate though?

Buff · 16 March 2009, 22:11

Not a retrofit, I bought the boat new direct from Humber last year.

Sailmaker · 17 March 2009, 07:58

Looks like those bolts weren't properly secured into the deck and that will need sorting anyway, as the A-frame can't have proper support if they're loose. Suggest if it's only a year old Humber ought to be sorting it out for free?

Rogue Wave · 17 March 2009, 08:15

That's poor finishing work from Humber and not the 1st time Ive seen it.

http://www.dartsystems.co.uk/shop/in...39c220064a7ec4 this might help when you've finished leave a length of 1/4" (6mm to youngsters) blue nylon rope (whammy) in place for future pulling!

I'll be in Aberdeenshire all next week, what part are you in, It won't take to long to sort out (infamous last words!) and I'll happily give you a hand. When the plates are off it's worth looking to see if you can fit inspection plates in thir place. or aqt least squaring up the 5 bar plate.
http://www.boatbitz.co.uk/navman-210...r-p-23516.html

jyasaki · 17 March 2009, 15:31

If you're just trying to get the cable through, try taking a stout length of nylon string, tie a small piece of cloth to the end, and use a shop vac to try and pull that through the conduit. I used that trick on a 4" x 3" trailer frame rail where I had to get the wire to pop out a hole in the side a couple of feet from the end. Also on my A frame (2" tubing; probably could have fished it, but didn't have a fish tape handy.)

jky

Buff · 17 March 2009, 17:06

Guys,

Thanks for the advice and offers, went to B&Q at lunchtime and found a tool for the job, a tempered steel cable pull reel! £10 and we are sorted. No need to remove the A-frame, it works a treat.

Cheers