Table Pedestal

[robonurse]

I have a 2003 31TE and the table pedestal (that drops to form the v-berth) is jammed. I am unable to move it up or down. Is this repairable? Who is the manufacturer? Is there a reasonable replacement? If I purchase another, I would like the same hole pattern so I can use the existing holes in the table. Does anyone have one for sale? I would really appreciate any information on this.
Thanks,
Bob Joseph
"Chloe Rose"

[RockHall]

Hi Bob,
I had the same problem with my table pedestal in our 2004 31 TE. I was able to fix it with some epoxy.

There is one larger aluminum shaft and a smaller one that fits inside it. Between the two is a plastic collar that is affixed to the larger outer shaft with epoxy. The narrower inside shaft slides up and down inside of the plastic collar. In mine, the plastic collar lost its adhesion to the outer shaft and slid down inside the outer shaft. The inner shaft was then pulled up above the collar and was no longer able to retract.

I removed the pedestal from the table and floor and took it apart by removing the bolt at one end that is affixed to an internal strut. I then found an improvised tool that was narrow enough to fit through the small opening at the bottom of the outer shaft and pushed the collar up. Before it was back to the top, i spread epoxy around the inside of the outer shaft and then pushed the collar up the rest of the way.

While i had it open i used some sand paper to smooth out the inside of the collar. Waited for the epoxy to cure and put it back together. There is a metal spacer between the tichtening screw and the collar. Remember to put that back in place before pushing the collar back up.

Works great and a cheap fix. I hope yours is as easy.

[robonurse]

Thanks! I left the pedestal with a friend. I'll have to go and take it apart to see just what I have.

[sharffj]

If you locate a replacement pedestal let me know. Pier supply had one advertised, but was just slightly off, and had to jury-rig it to work.
Jeff S

[robonurse]

I finally got to taking my pedestal apart. No small task as it took a hydraulic ram to separate the 2 parts. The nylon collar appeared to be too small for the inner shaft to pass through. I can only surmise that the previous owner tried to lubricate it with something incompatible with the nylon and caused the collar to swell. Anyway, once it was apart, it was a simple matter to enlarge the nylon collar with an engine cylinder hone. It is now re-assembled and works like new. Total cost- $0.

[RockHall]

Well done. Not many things in boating are free. W