Sea Ray 185 Wake Tower Bolts

[JHfromJersey]

Hi All, I have a 2007 Sea Ray 185 Sport. The bolt knobs to loosen and lower the tower are frozen / seized - it seems the previous owner never moved / lubricated them so that they would remain in working order. I would like to lower the tower for the winter as it will make it easier for covering the boat. Any suggestions on how to get them out and if I will be able to find replacements once I get them out? Thanks in advance for any and all input. The bolts look like this:

 

[boatmailster]

Try some penetrating oil first ( PB Blaster works great). Let it work for about day and try to unscrew bolts. Most of penetrating oils may stain or damage plastics and vinyls so be careful.

 

[hblock72]

Agree with above and would try it for multiple days if needed. Spray, wait a day, try to unscrew, repeat for multiple days if necessary. If that doesn't work, the next step would be heating the aluminum tower in the area around the bolt with a torch. This will cause the aluminum to expand and hopefully provide enough extra clearance to release the bolt. Once you do get them out, be sure to coat the threads with some anti-seize before re-installing them.

 

[Lazy Daze]

In addition... you may need to cut the plastic off to get a wrench on things.

If you're dealer doesn't have and knobs, you can probably get them from the tower manufacturer (it might be Monster). If not, the bolt is a common size and you can always make your own.

FYI... the tower makes a great support for a cover.

 

[Lazy Daze]

How are you making out?