Advice for removing A Frame

Buff · 16 March 2009, 22:41

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, 22:47

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, 23:11

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

Sailmaker · 17 March 2009, 08:58

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, 09:15

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, 16:31

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, 18:06

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

benc · 17 March 2009, 18:41

But arent those aframe bolts still loose??

jyasaki · 17 March 2009, 23:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by benc

But arent those aframe bolts still loose??

Turning doesn't necessarily mean loose. They may be tight enough, just won't release on the bolt to unscrew.

jky

Downhilldai · 18 March 2009, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buff

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

WTF are Humber playing at, fitting treadplate to the deck, like that?

K&S · 18 March 2009, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

WTF are Humber playing at, fitting treadplate to the deck, like that?

My brother inlaw and others were surprised when we didn't buy a Humber. I think now he is starting to get the idea from reading such posts....

But to keep things ballanced & fair there not the only manufacturer that we avoided because of finishing quality issues ...

chewy · 18 March 2009, 09:42

Thats bad if its come straight from Humber. I'd speak to them and see what they say?

Ian M · 18 March 2009, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buff

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

Buff,
Sorry, being a bit dim. Can you explain what this is/show a photograph?
I have shortly got the job of pulling/pushing wires through an 'A' frame, so anything that will make the job easier/possible I would be very interested in

Buff · 18 March 2009, 15:46

Ian,

I can do better than that...here is the link to B&Q site

http://nextday.diy.com/app/jsp/produ...roductId=67849

It was £12.99 well worth spending. I cut the large hook off the end and created a smaller one. I have managed to pull my VHF and Nav cables back through relatively easily, without having to create large holes!

Buff

Ian M · 19 March 2009, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buff

Ian,

I can do better than that...here is the link to B&Q site

http://nextday.diy.com/app/jsp/produ...roductId=67849

It was £12.99 well worth spending. I cut the large hook off the end and created a smaller one. I have managed to pull my VHF and Nav cables back through relatively easily, without having to create large holes!

Buff

Cheers pal

I'll give it a go.

PeterM · 19 March 2009, 22:24

I tend to find now that there is a 'tool' for most things you can think of out there somewhere . Things are so much easier with the right tool ...........