WTB Swim Platform Support Bar for 1988 270AJ

[landingzone]

The starboard side stainless support bar under my swim platform is broken at the bend where it attaches to the hull on my 1988 270AJ. Maybe it can be welded but I thought I'd check if anyone had one first. It is a round stainless tube about 1" (not sure) with flattened ends which are bent to approx. 45 deg. on each end.
Thanks

[tdschafer]

LZ,
On my 260 DA I had the same problem. I went to my buddy's canvas shop where he gave me some 1" stainless tubing scraps. I cut them to length, crushed the ends in a vice & rounded the ends with a grinding wheel. It was still working well this year when my friend sold the boat!!


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[landingzone]

Thanks for the idea, Todd. I may give that a try. The welding option seems problematic.

[tdschafer]

Just a tip. When I crushed and bended the ends, I put a towel between the tubing and jaws of the vice to prevent iron deposits on the SS to minimize future rusting!

[landingzone]

The old and the new. Stainless tubing ~$23 from Amazon. Squeeze in vise. Drill new holes. Done. Wall thickness is actually thicker than the original.

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[tdschafer]

Looks good! Glad it worked out!

[rondds]

If you have access to the inside of the boat where the bracket is through-bolted, I'd definitely replace the bracket rather than try to a weld.