Pearson Boats - Common Systems > Interior Structures
P323 Dinette Table Clamping Bracket
m_boone:
--- Quote from: T_schlueter on September 13, 2020, 07:46:28 PM ---I've got to tighten mine up. I'll try that quick release bicycle axle trick.
--- End quote ---
If your bolt and threads are okay so that you can fully clamp it down and the table is still loose, then I don't think changing to a quick release clamp is going to help you. You may need to do what I did and take the table out and shim the plastic sleeve so that it grabs more when tightened.
Also, I used a bicycle seat clamp not an axle clamp.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MKLLF4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
m_boone:
--- Quote from: Dolce_Vita on September 14, 2020, 11:28:37 AM ---
3) Having the table hard-tied to the post is not desireable because repeated pulling and falling into it transmits all the torque to the pole, which causes the overhead pole screws to loosen and back out. I think I'd rather have it slip on a good hit.
--- End quote ---
Good point! It could also cause more of an injury if someone fell into it and it didn't give way.
Alma:
There is nothing wrong with threads cut into aluminum. My Porsche 911 engine has threads cut into Magnesium and that is far softer than AL. They have survived heat cycles, and 7300 RPM for 50 years. They do strip though- often from ham-hammered 'technicians' in a hurry.
The fix is straightforward.
First cut-up some Stella beer cans to make some shim material. The cans already have some circular shape so they will take to the inside of the AL casting easily. The tall little Stella cans closely match the size of the plastic insert. The can shim goes between the casting and plastic NOT between the plastic and pole. I used Molson cans long ago but sadly Molson no longer distributes cans in my region.
Then have someone with the tools and experience install a Heli-coil into the damaged casting and have a suitable handle made from Stainless Steel rod (or shoulder bolt with a nut) with a bend for grip made as originally installed. You will want a stainless steel washer on the handle to prevent galling of the casting where the steel bottoms.
This was one of the very first fixes on ALMA 25 years ago and it has worked flawlessly since.
It is common sense to tighten the handle only as much as needed to secure the table. Do not expect to lock the table from turning- That is not the design intent of the system. In fact a slight rotation of the table is OK once tightened. That comes in handy to tilt the corner out of the fairway between the companionway and forward to Head and Vee-berth.
This handle also serves to hang a jacket or other temporary need when it points up after a short break-in period. Once broken-in, stop tightening when the handle points up. It should last a long time at that position.
m_boone:
--- Quote from: Alma on September 17, 2020, 12:38:46 PM ---"...They do strip though- often from ham-hammered 'technicians' in a hurry".
--- End quote ---
Haha! I had to look up "ham-hammered"
--- Quote from: Alma on September 17, 2020, 12:38:46 PM ---"The fix is straightforward.
First cut-up some Stella beer cans to make some shim material".
--- End quote ---
I like the idea of a couple of Stella's over gaffing tape. : )
--- Quote from: Alma on September 17, 2020, 12:38:46 PM ---Then have someone with the tools and experience install a Heli-coil into the damaged casting and have a suitable handle made from Stainless Steel rod (or shoulder bolt with a nut) with a bend for grip made as originally installed. You will want a stainless steel washer on the handle to prevent galling of the casting where the steel bottoms.
--- End quote ---
This, I agree, is the proper way to fix your Pearson saloon table. As well as adding the release pin that Selene has. One could put a whole case of Molson's on it then.
--- Quote from: Alma on September 17, 2020, 12:38:46 PM ---This was one of the very first fixes on ALMA 25 years ago and it has worked flawlessly since.
--- End quote ---
I read an article the other day that said "Bad boats don't grow old" and it made me think of Blue Sky and all the great Pearson boats still sailing today. Cheers!
--- Quote from: Alma on September 17, 2020, 12:38:46 PM ---This handle also serves to hang a jacket or other temporary need when it points up after a short break-in period. Once broken-in, stop tightening when the handle points up. It should last a long time at that position.
--- End quote ---
Nice cabintop! Did you laminate the Formica to wood panels or are they single sheets of Formica? Also, how did you hide Alma's antenna cable? Very tidy.
Alma:
I used to have a commercial photo studio and we used laminate instead of the rolls of paper one sees in some studios for product photography backgrounds (sweeps). The paper was always a problem with ripples, stains and creases.
The laminate lasted forever.
So I have a lifetime supply of 4X8 sheets I've almost gone through with shop projects.
Yes I laminated it with old-school contact cement to the old thin plywood panels that previously had been vinyl wrapped. Using a router to trim the edges isn't difficult with the special cutter with the ball bearing guide.
If I didn't have the material in stock I'd buy the thinner material available for the sides of cabinetry instead of the heavier counter-top version. Every ounce above the keel matters!
I'd also likely skip the plywood and just use the lightweight laminate alone. Be careful it will cut you like a chainsaw!
You'll find some of the wood screws will have lost their grip so a wooden match stick or rolled up sliver of WaWa bag will make them grip again.
ALMA's antenna cable is the thicker version (RG213?) and it goes down the mast and exits through a hole in the side of the mast along with the spreader, bow and masthead light wiring. It ends 2 feet later under the mast wiring terminal strip into a junction barrel connector to the the radio side of the cable. It isn't in the coachroof interior at all. Our FM radio antenna is a expensive but close-out purchased antenna that is inside tape that is stuck under the side deck right forward of the Nav Station.
PS- Since you're near me in Philly I can install that Heli Coil for you. I'm in Cherry Hill.
PPS- My table's pole has a hole drilled below where the table's bracket ends and there is a bolt that acts as a safety stop should the table try to fall. The bolt is the same as a bolt used to hold a dodger frame to its foot bracket. You can see the silver bolthead just under the casting in the photo-
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