[C320-list] FW: Re cabin steps

[jim brown]

Thanks to all on the help with the broken step weld. Looks like rewelding with better technique is the answer. I liked Warren's idea of a plate rather than just the two brackets under the steps since I do use it a lot while sailing. 

Jim B




________________________________
 From: Pat Ireland <cherie320 at gmail.com>
To: C320-List at catalina320.com 
Sent: Wednesday, May 29, 2013 7:27 PM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] FW: Re cabin steps
 

Jim

Cherie, 801, had the weld failure shortly after we purchased her.  It's the
one step that is an issue as the alignment allows more stress on that
weld.  The other steps allow a stronger weld patern.  Have your welder
wrap the weld.  Do not just spot it.  Report post would have been about
three years ago.  I think that the failed weld is on the side of the
support bracket and the stronger welds wrap the weld around the back of the
bracket.

Pat

On Wed, May 29, 2013 at 10:53 AM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Not to be the last to chime in on this, I didn't have a broken bracket, but
> a split step. I re-glued it and replaced the fore/aft bracket with an
> aluminum plate that spanned both cross tubes and gave more support to the
> step. If you do this, make the bolt holes larger than necessary so there
> will be ample room to feed the bolt and less need for very accurate
> drilling
> of the plate.
> BTW, a new step then was $95. I always thought I'd get the new step; but,
> out of sight, out of mind (or what's left of it.)
>
> Warren & Pattie Updike
> 1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: jim brown [mailto:jbrown5093 at yahoo.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 6:02 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Re cabin steps
>
>
>
> The aft weld holding the top
> step bracket to the cross tube on the companionway stair frame is broken on
> both sides. I remember this being discussed before but can't find it in the
> archives. Is the fix just to re-weld or is there a better solution? If
> re-welding, should the other three steps be reinforced or are these less
> likely to let go since the are less wide? Thanks in advance for any
> suggestions. We're not huge people so I was surprised to see the welds
> break. I do use the top step to brace myself when tending lines, etc so I
> want a strong repair.
>
> Jim Brown
>
>
> ________________________________
>
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