www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all wondering if someone could help me with this? Sunday we were out on Lake Winnipesaukee and the wind kicked up and we were in some pretty bad water. While my friend was up front holding on for dear life the grab handle loosened and the nuts fell off. Does anyone know how i can put this back on? The space between the outside hull and inside is too tight i can't get my hand up in there. I tried to reach from the helm but its too far of a stretch. The only thought i have are to 1 drill a bigger hole and use a toggle or snake a piece of string through the hole and pull the bolt through the other way so the nut would be on the outside. Any other thought would be great

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Can you get an extension on an ratchet with a deep socket?

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2010 Sea Hunt Triton 220 "Big Whiskey"
2003 FW Freedom 180 Volvo Penta 4.3GL/SX-M "It'll Do Four Now" (Sold)
2012 Avalanche LTZ 4X4

I would still have to get the washers on there too! The deep socket would work the problem is getting the nut started. I am wondering if they installed these handles before the 2 hulls were bonded together. It doesn't help either that they used the wrong size lock washers way too big.

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Is there a seatback in that area? If so, remove it, there is a good chance there is an access hole behind. I just changed out my starboard air scoop/vent, and was wonder how in the heck I would get to the bolts, took the wrap around seat back off and wala, there was a 6" access hole. It was still a reach but at least it made it doable.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

I will check that out. The backrest in front of the helm maybe an option. I did unbolt the front seat cushion hoping for a hole but it was solid i didn't think about the back rest.

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Doesn't help you, but I just dont understand why FW don't use proper nyloc nuts, rather than those nuts with a serrated locking ring. Once those come slightly loose away from the washer, they rapidly fall off.

Graham

I dont get it either...This isn't the first time they came lose. Thats the only complaint i have about this boat. I am always going around to check if things are tight.

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Don't you have a speaker near your handle?

If you do...pull that and you should be able to get a hand in there I would think.

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2010 H190 4.3VP
Tow Vehicle:
2007 F150
Previous boats:
2009 H180 3.0VP
1996 Horizon QX 3.0VP

I recently did some work on the car that had a hidden nut like this. I put some masking tape on the end of the nut to hold it into the socket. It worked fine. The end of the bolt easily pushed through the tape. Also, before you put it back together, put on a couple drops of locktite blue. They shouldn't come off again. If you want them to be there forever, use the locktite red. But, be aware that the red stuff holds almost forever. You can get a small tube of either one for a few bucks.

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2008 Four Winns F224
5.0 Volvo Penta
Towing with Audi Q7 4.2 V8

nhprinter unfortunately i do not have any bow speakers on my boat. That would be the perfect access point though. Just my luck i can never have anything go easy.

Sounder thanks for the tip thats a great idea. I just wouldn't be able to turn the ratchet or get the washers on the bolt. I can only get half my hand up there and there is still a ways to go.

I am thinking either a small toggle bolt that will push through the factory hole or a long pair of angled needle nose pliers to snake up behind there

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

And be sure to use blue thread locker. No point in having it wiggle loose again.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

The backrest seat comes off with one or two screws on the bottom of the cushion. Then just lift up. There should be a hole hidden back there for you to access it through

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Bryan Mutter

http://www.twincitymarine.com
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http://www.youtube.com/user/twincitymarine
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The very front bow cushion? Ok i will give that a shot maybe today if the weather holds out. I will let you guys know.

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ok i pulled the front bow back rest off and guess what no access hole. So i tried the backrest in front of the helm but before i pulled it i felt around for a hole and guess what none there either. This is real frustrating!! How hard is it for a massive factory to find the right size hardware to use? If they used the right size lock washer and lock nut this wouldn't be happening. I finally said screw it and grabbed my round file and enlarged the hole and used a 3/16 toggle and put a little thread sealant on there seems pretty tight hopefully thats the last time i have to put it on.

Thanks for all your suggestions
Joe

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2006 Horizon 180 3.0 Volvo SOLD
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee