Platform Bracket Swap

[jshaff]

I am preparing to swap my old warn down aluminum brackets for the stainless steel ones.  I contacted Bakes and they send out the 2010 stainless brackets as they will fit the same mounting holes.  I would like to replace the hardware while I swap them out, but i am unsure what the correct size bolt is, especially as it relates to the length.

Does anyone know the bolt size used, i presume all 4 are the same, to go through the transom side brackets?  I am trying to avoid a mid-project trip to the hardware store as this will be time consuming enough just to get the tank pulled out for access.

 

Thanks!

Jason

[QmanBu]

Are you just swapping the boat side or is the platform bracket changing as well? I would love to get rid of my pin style brackets and am interested to see how this goes. Pics of your new brackets?

[jshaff]

Both sides have to get swapped. I will put some pictures up when I have a chance.

[tvano]

i did not have to pull the fuel tank when i swapped out the aluminum for stainless.

hands got a bit beat up but much less of a chore.

[QmanBu]

Would you mind posting a ball park price for both sides of brackets? If you want to PM me that's fine as well. Just trying to understand what I might be in for. 

[jshaff]

Update: 

Got all the parts from bakes.  The new brackets have 3 holes instead of two, however the spacing of the holes by default forces the platform to go much higher without modification, additionally if you leave it like that there would be a large gap between the boat and the bracket at the top.  Thankfully the entire rear seat did not require coming out.  Rear hatch was removed, and then the tank is able to slide forward after disconnecting the fuel fill lines, hands will get a little beat up reaching down there, but it is much easier than full removing the tank.

 

 Note the Gap between the boat and bracket. Using the default holes the bracket causes the platform to go up far to high on the back.

 

Once we got everything installed we realized one of the boat side brackets was not cut correctly and did not allow the swim step bracket to sit in correctly, causing the locking pin to not fit:

Andrew at Bakes was awesome and got us a new one in the mail the same day.

Next the swimstep side bracket is attached.  The arms are slightly too long causing a slight overhang on the side away from the boat, easily remedied by an angle grinder and file:

 

The new bracket arrived this morning.  The extra hole was drilled and bracket mounted easily on the boat.