Pinned Stabs

[Sadey]

I realize this is a total noob question but that’s what I am. I had my stabilizers pinned for some work and now I cannot unpin one of them. Any suggestions?

 

[Captain Ralph]

Are you on the hill or in the water.
If in the water, with the engines off, The pin should have a key-ring look on the top end. With your finger or large pliers jaw, wiggle the pin upward. If it's sized, clean the pin and start spraying down with PB blaster till it comes free as above.
Send a pic and we can offer more help.

 

[Sadey]

I actually used WD-40 to lube it up before I put it in. It’s so tight The ring through the pin bent then came out. Tried tapping it lightly with a hammer and it still jammed in there. We are in the water.

 

[Captain Ralph]

WD40 is a poor preserver IMO.
Time to call on my cousin Vice.
Get a large pair of Vice Grips on the tip of the pin. Wiggle just a bit. Keep hitting it with PB Blaster.
There is a bit of zinc coating on the pin. It may react with the cast iron of the base plate.
Just wiggle, Don't try to spin it the first try. It will wiggle free when ready.

 

[oscarvan]

Get someone in the water to wiggle the fin while you're pulling?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have seen some with locking pins that have a button on the top of them that you need to push to release them.

 

[Sadey]

The pin was tight going in that’s why I used a little silicone WD-40. It’s just a straight pin with no locking bearing on it. I’ll get some PB blaster and keep working at it. Would it make sense to turn the stabilizers on to possibly relieve some of the pressure on the pin or w
ill that make matters worse or possibly do some damage?

 

[Boatsb]

I know its ate but.

If it dont fit force it. If it breaks it needed replacement anyway.

 

[Sadey]

Problem solved. Found a solid pin that fit through the hole and was able to twist it out. The problem is I’m so new I don’t know what I don’t know and don’t want to screw things up. Thanks for all the help and suggestions. We are headed out on our second solo trip without Freebird. Hopefully everything will go well. However I do know if I lose one motor I’m good to go. If I lose the bow thruster because of my restriction I’ll have to declare an emergency then I can do whatever needs to be done. Right? Looks like a beautiful day here in South Florida for a boat ride. Little chilly but one of the benefits of a motor Yatch.

 

[Captain Ralph]

Naiads have a position for the locking arm and pin for operational storage. Ensure you move the locking arm and pin here to ensure it does not move back to the fin operating parts.

 

[Sadey]

I did ensure the locking arm and pin were stowed properly. Wow what a difference! Ran the boat without stabs until now and oh man now I know why they were a deal breaker for the admiral.

 

[tomrealest]

Apparently a Smart Admiral!