Bow Pulpit Repair or Replacement?

[JohnGreifzu]

Anyone had to repair or replace the bow pulpit on a US built boat? The port forward stud on the pulpit broke off below deck. (It's the hollow one with the wire for the bow light running through it). Any advice would be helpful? I haven't removed the pulpit yet to find out whether the stud was threaded in or welded. One repair guy suggested that buying a new pulpit might be more cost effective than the time and effort to re-weld the stud. Thanks for your help.

[Vento Solare]

It was welded on the stern pushpit. If you do the labor to remove and reinstall it, probably more cost effective to have it welded.

[jerry]

I'm a little late checking on post- Did you get it fixed? I had the same thing happen to mine (I think having the bowman sitting on it during pre-starts has something to do with it). The project wasn't that hard. I was able to take it off in less than an hour, then locally we have shop that specializes in making custom rails for big boats. The were able to re-weld the threaded post, polished the chrome all for under $175. The install wasn't too bad, except have an extra person at the boat. But be careful. Getting the posts threw the deck but some tension on them. Before I could get the nuts on- the tension sprung the pulpit up and overboard! Fortunately my neighbor had a grappling hook and retrieved it. The hardest part is fishing the wires back through the pulpit.
I don't let my bowman sit on it anymore.

If you are located in the northwest or on west coast the shop is: www.railmakersnw.com. You may be able to ship it to them.

Jerry Woodfield
Seattle, WA
S/V Shada
J/109 #44

[Dan Corcoran]

I have a similar problem. The screw under the port side bow pulpit, with the wire going through it, spins as I tighten the nut.

I am wondering if I should pre-order a part before I remove the pulpit and bring to a welding shop, or maybe do all four. This is the second position on the pulpit that has failed on me.

Where to find parts? Other ideas?

[Vento Solare]

I think a weld repair by a competent weld shop is least expensive. You can buy a new one from:

White Water Marine (Stainless Parts)
3755 West Water St.
P.O. Box 610595
Port Huron, MI 48060-0595
Tel: 810.987.4837
Fax: 810.966.0597
E-mail: sales@whitewatermarineinc.com

[Dan Corcoran]

Weld repair successful. $99

Lesson learned:
- When installing synthetic lines, don't lead the middle lifeline through the bow pulpit to the bow. Instead terminate it on a friction ring before the pulpit, then lash the friction ring to the turnbuckle at the front of the pulpit. When done this way, removing the lifeline from the pulpit does not require cutting the life line.