Need to replace broken Antenna standoffs

[MicroKap]

Over the winter, one of my antenna standoffs broke and down came the antenna. The Antennas are all mounted up on my tuna tower. I've added a pic from the starboard side. As you may see, but it's not necessary, the standoffs are all accessable, however, the 1/4" stainless steel bolts holding them in the aluminum tower have "bonded" and are making the replacement very difficult. The first bolt that I attempted twisted the philips head off, leaving about a 1/2" stub. There is only a hole in the aluminum on one side and no nut on the other, so I figure something in the aluminum must be threaded.

What can I do to make this job more simple because by the looks of the other standoffs it's only a matter of time before they will need replacement.

As a note, I purchased four new standoffs at Consumers Marine Electronics in Wall, NJ for $9 a piece. Boater's World wanted $15.99 for the exact same thing and wouldn't match the price because I came in with a printed out page from the Consumers website with the regular price as opposed to bringing in the entire catalog and West Marine carries the West Brand which is made by Shakespeare for about $24 and doesn't have to price match because it's a West product, not a Shakespeare product.

Any help would be great because I'm sure having a guest stay up in the tower and hold on to the antennas while cruising won't be much fun for them and we're not trying to radio anyone in outer space or underwater, so the vertical mounting of the antenna is really what I'm looking for.

Larry K.
1980 60' Sportfish
Monmouth Beach, NJ

 

[jim rosenthal]

Larry, I could not open the image. However, a few years ago I bought an antenna standoff from Edson- the guys that make the pedestals, steering gear etc.
The price was very high. However, the Edson antenna standoff is a first-class piece of metalwork, it is the best I have ever seen, and appears just about indestructible in marine use. Defender Marine sells them. Sit down before you look, these are not cheap. But boy are they well made.

 

[jim rosenthal]

I checked on Defender Marine's web site and they have ONE 3" standoff left, on clearance; evidently they are being phased out by either Edson or DM. If this would fit what you need, I would buy it. I have seldom seen a better made piece of marine hardware. Why they are phasing them out is a mystery to me. I will have to check Edson's web site.

 

[Banshee36]

Rupp Makes some very nice antenna standoffs. I cannot remeber the price, but they were not cheap. But they sure look good.
JW

 

[jim rosenthal]

I would bet that the Rupp ones are stainless also...this is the way to go in an accessory that vibrates as much as an antenna standoff. If you have never seen the Edson ones, take a look. Couldn't be nicer. I am surprised they don't sell more of them, even at the price they are well worth it.

 

[Banshee36]

Nope the Rupps are Aluminium. I have and edson steering wheel , did not even know thay made a antenna bracket.
JW

 

[MicroKap]

As stated in my original message, I already have the replacement standoffs, however, I'm having trouble getting the bolt loosened to get the remaining pieces off so that I can replace the broken standoff with the new one. There are just two bolts per standoff.

Is this something that PB Blaster would work on?

Larry K.
1980 60' Sportfish
Monmouth Beach, NJ

 

[hattitude]

I believe you said you had stainless bolts into threaded aluminum plate. Add salt water and this is a recipe for corrosion.

If you can get them off (PB Blaster, etc. might help) there are antisieze compunds you could put on the threads to lessen the corrosion in the future.

I had that problem and just drilled out the threaded holes and thu-bolted the standoffs. Of course you'll need access tot he back of the plates to do this...

Bernie