I'm throwing myself on the mercy of the internet here - the leaking bolt seals on the Picnic Cat centerboard pivot need to be replaced - it's a simple operation - here are the included instructions:
"Use the new bolt to simultaneously tap the old bolt out and put the new bolt in. Torque the new bolt and nut to 20 lbs".
Except...
I can't get at the bloody thing.
Seriously.
I'm 6'4" and have very long arms and can barely reach it on one side through the cockpit seat locker hatches. There is framework blocking access from the front (which is a contortionist's nightmare since you're reaching underneath your knees, under the sole and around framework). Worse, the existing seals, apparently manufactured by whatever deity fuels your nightmares have become cup shaped due to lack of proper washers when installed by previous owner, and push socket wrenches off if not held securely - see blurry picture.
I'm currently waffling between the local boatyard (overwhelmed with business right now), a chainsaw, and matches & kerosene.
Has anyone done this and lived? Is there an obvious trick that I'm missing?
Thanks in advance
Yeah, access to the CB pivot isn't easy. Fortunately few ever need to replace it, most leaks in the bilge are from the cockpit drain pipes where they pass through the transom, from water leaking down into the bilge around the fiberglass CB cover/cockpit sole joint, or leaks at the SS CB trunk/keel joint.
It's hard to tell from your photo but I'd first make sure that any leak is coming though the pivot seals. The seal you show is original, they all cup up that way. Also note that the seal has been painted along with CB trunk, the bilge, etc. This was done at the time of manufacture, I doubt anyone would try to paint a new seal to match. The second photo in the attached pdf of the stringer layout on the PC shows my CB pivot on the port side. I am the sole owner of this 2010 boat, the seals have never been replaced.
If you really need to replace the seals, I'd get to Com-Pac ASAP. They intend on closing the business on May 1st last I heard. Their dealers may be able to provide seals after that. A second person may make a difference (young and limber!), but I'd try to find a locking plier with some offset in the jaws so you can better grip the nut around the seal as you work to get a long wrench on the bolt on the other side. Something like this might be good enough.
https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-5-Inch-Straight-Locking-PLK00005/dp/B07CZFC9BQ/ref=asc_df_B07CZ7SBXH?mcid=6ecaa28ebe573a07a71e0e8047fc4773&hvocijid=1797879062853029481-B07CZ7SBXH-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1797879062853029481&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002180&hvtargid=pla-2281435177618&th=1