Securing the Overhead Shelf

[Dreamer]

If you have added a console for radios, etc. under the factory installed shelf, you may want to see how secure it is. I noticed a flex in rough water and inspected the mounting. On a TC-255, the shelf is held in place with the 2 bolts that secure the roof rails. I noticed that the next 2 roof rail bolts were about 2" aft of the shelf. Here's the fix I came up with. It's now rock solid.


I started with 2 stainless straps similar the this and a flat headed bolt usually used on toilets!


With the flat plate secured by the roof rail bolt, the flat head bolt head is pinned to the ceiling and protrudes through the shelf. A washer and acorn nut secure the shelf.

You will have to loosen the whole shelf while installing these. Don't try this alone while your wife is at a meeting. Don't ask me how I know this part!

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Roger,

That looks like a good fix. I am trying to remember if my 22 has 4 screws through the shelf. Seems like it does, but not sure. It certainly does feel solid.

Steve

[jkidd]

My only question would be how long was it before she came home?

[Dreamer]

Where there's a will, there's a way! Project was done by the time she came home.. I don't recommend those sorts of contortions however.

[DaveS]

Had you still been in a bind waiting for her to return, it would at least been comforting to know that when she couldn't find you in the house, she'd come out to the boat to look for you, since that is where a good deal of our time is spent.

[Sea Wolf]

Whenever loosening the handrail screws that also hold the electronics shelf up, I use my adjustable length boat hook pole underneath the shelf to bolster it up so that with the screws removed I won't have to play Atlas to all the electronics on the shelf above.


Could ya' please hand me that little *#@%^?!+* screw I just dropped and that screwdriver over yonder on the helm seat?


Joe.

[Luna C]

Another good idea from Joe. Throughout my Brat years I have learned that Joe is full of it. Uh, information I mean.

[matt_unique]

Do you have pictures of your overhead screws? I have a feeling with my added shelf enclosure I will need to add a couple of screws to secure the shelf in bumpy seas.

Thanks

[Captains Cat]

Matt, here's some pix of overhead shelf stuff.

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album481&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Charlie

[matt_unique]

Perfect...no drilling required!

Roger - where did you find that metal tab? What is it?

Thanks!

[Dreamer]

Matt,

They're from the sailboat hardware section of Fisheries Supply. Some sort of "tang" thingy! The sailors can tell us the proper name. I'm sure any chandelery would have them.

Good luck and Happy New Year

Roger

[matt_unique]

Picked up my 4" SS tangs today. I hope to put them on tomorrow. Our 1-2" snow forecast turned out to be 8"...

By the way, I just realized this thread is in the "Trailers and Towing" section. It would be great if an Admin could move it into the Cabin Interior section for future reference.

Thanks!

[Mike...]

I am planning something similar, and have a question if you don't mind:

In hindsight, knowing what you know now, might it have been an option to build a new shelf/top that was that extended a few more inches aft so that the tangs weren't required?

Thanks...
---
mike

[eNORMous]

Interestingly I had the exact same thought, but mine was more of an interest since I own a 25' Cruiser and I had thought the upper shelves were identical on the 255 and the 25; but, obviously they're not (at least of particular model years). My 25 has four screws (x2/side) holding the shelf. I was surprised to see how the 255 accomodated securing of the shelf - interesting.

[Dreamer]

Wannaboat,

Good point! If I had prior knowledge of the flexing of the shelf under load, I probably would have built a whole new assenbly (shelf and radio console) and attached them to the 4 bolts.

So now you know. Be sure to post photos of your new shelf!
Roger