Contents

Step 1 Removal of the old Sheet Horse
Step by Step Instructions

Step 1 Removal of the old Sheet Horse

At first sight it looks impossible to remove the existing pole without cutting it through with a hacksaw. However it is possible to remove the pole by exerting pressure on the sides of the boat until one end of the pole can be removed from the hole in the moulding. After removal of the stainless steel fixing screws, the pole is loose in the GRP mouldings that support it and it can be moved from side to side. Making use of the flexibility of the sides of the boat it is possible to push the opposite sides (must use the gunwales for this - not the GRP) apart sufficiently to remove the bar. It is almost possible but not quite to do this by hand.

The reason for using this technique rather than using a hacksaw is that it is also used for fitting the replacement. If it works removing the old pole then it will also work in fitting the replacement.

GREAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN IN ADOPTING THIS METHOD AS TOO MUCH PRESSURE CAN CRACK THE LAMINATE OF THE HULL AND DECKING WHICH WOULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE THE BOAT!!

This method is only viable if the attachment of the pole matches the following conditions:

• When the stainless steel self-tapping fixing screws are removed, the pole can be moved horizontally within the holes in the moulding.
  
  
• When the pole is moved horizontally so that it abuts against the inside of the hull moulding on one side of the boat, there is typically 3/8" or an absolute maximum of 0.5" required for the other end of the pole to clear the hole in the moulding at the other end.

Step by Step Instructions

You will need:

• A car (automobile) jack
• A piece of softwood about 1.5" square and 4 feet long

Remove the stainless steel self tapping screws which prevent movement of the sheet horse pole within the support mouldings. Push the pole until one end is abutting against the inside of the hull moulding and can be pushed no further.

Next, lay the car jack on its side and in its retracted position above the pole and pad the bottom of it with a softwood wedge against the (port) gunwale. Cut the square softwood lath so that when it is placed above the sheet horse it abuts the (starboard) gunwale at the far end (cut this end at an angle so that it fits snugly and evenly against the gunwale). Extend the jack until it is pushing against the softwood lath. Gently increase the pressure by hand, turning the extension axle on the jack (0.5" maximum extension is all that's required - any more risks damage to the boat), until the end of the underlying pole can be pushed clear of the (port) retaining moulding and can be lifted upwards from its retaining socket. Retract the jack and remove it and the wood.