Stuck Seat Pedestals

[trophyfish]

I recently purchased a Champion that was stored covered outside in the north bay area. Boats is in great shape but the pedestals will not come out and I imagine it is due to potential rust from moisture. I tried wd-40 to loosen it up but it is still stuck. How about some recommendations on how to loosen so I may remove the seats. I also want to change the TM-Motorguide 70lb to a MinnKota 74 lb that I had from a previous boat but that means new holes, I primarily fish the Delta your thoughts....

Thanks

[Popper]

I had a similar problem on my last boat with the pedestals. What you need to do is twist the pedestal in either direction as you disenage the release and apply an upward force. If the pedestal will not release from the base you'll need another guy to help pull as you are turning the pedestal and holding down the release.
I know........, it's a pain in the rear, but it was the only way I could remove them.

Good Luck,
Ed

[fishwithron2]

You could try Liquid wrench which is like wd 40 and sort of tap the shaft with a mallet and up toward the seat.

[D.B.COOPER]

Had the same problem and used a pipe wrench to solve it. Twist it right out. It was quick. Make sure somebody is pulling up on the seat while you're twisting. D.B.COOPER

[plungers]

Before you change your T-M try Mercury's weed whacker prop. It really makes a hugh diffrence on the Delta. Could save you some holes in your boat. Popper has the right idea get a BIG friend and start pulling away. With a little twisting and WD it should work its way out.
Good luck Jim

[DeltaDan]

18" pipewrench and a cheater bar if necessary ... wrap 3x tightly in a towel if marks are not wanted.


No SOAK (green aresol can that will unstick any bolt) ever needed.

[Mike]

18" pipewrench and a cheater bar if necessary ... wrap 3x tightly in a towel if marks are not wanted.


No SOAK (green aresol can that will unstick any bolt) ever needed.

And eat the backing off your carpet!!

[Rod Martin]

try a strap wrench, fits anything , uses a strap instead of metal teeth to grip.

[keithcant]

Get it out yet?

Don't spray WD-40 when out, it just causes the plastic in the pedestal hole to de-grade.
I suggest sand the post and MORE importantly sand the inside of the hole. Make sure no carpet is hanging down in there.

Wax the hole and post and you should avoid future problems.

Pst suggestions of wrapping post --pipewrench and friend to pull up as you twist should get it out pretty quick.

I'm sure a blasting cap would suffice also. GOOD LUCK>

[SloppySeconds]

Twisting is definitely the way to go. I had success with the pipe wrench to loosen things up. I basically had to unscrew the thing.

As far as the trolling motor goes, I thought that the MK mounts had the same hole patterns at the MotorGuides...? Maybe it is model-specific, but it would be worth looking into, since I don't think it is as bad as you might think. (doesn't apply to power-drive models obviously).

I would imagine that each company would have the same bolt pattern to encourage people to switch to the other brand, without having to worry about new holes in their fancy boat... but what do I know?

[MIKE TREMONT]

I have the same problem with mine. I used a pipe wrench, but like Rod's suggestion for the strap wrench better, a little late for me as the seat posts are a little marred .

I ground off all the powder coat and then some of the receptacle as well to make mine work.

I'll be trying a little wax to see if that helps, as my back seat still sticks.

[Brian]

If you ever get them out, put a little never seze on them.

[Ringer]

It is a major problem with Champs on the rear pedestal due to the base going down into the livewells. My '04 would not come out with a strap wrench or pipe wrench. I took 2 jacks and used plywood under them plus 2x4s on top right below the seat base and jacked the pedestal right out. I then took a drill and small sanding drum and cleaned out the hole so it all works great now and I take the seat out after every trip. None of the lubricants worked either. Good luck.

[Cooch]

I recently purchased a Champion I want to change the TM-Motorguide 70lb to a MinnKota 74 lb that I had from a previous boat but that means new holes, I primarily fish the Delta your thoughts.... Thanks

If that's an 18-21' Champion, yer really not gonna have any better success on the River with a 74lb motor versus a 70lb motor. Both are WAY under powered fer this place. Either a 101 or 109 is the only way ta go if'n ya spend a lot of time here! I've gotten really spoiled over the years, and been forced to use a few borrowed boats as of late with 84 & 80s and I haven't enjoyed fishing as much out there being under powered!!!!!!!! I can even begin to imagine what a 70 or 74 would limit ya too.

Cooch