Rear port tower bolt lose, what size is nut?

[01bigair]

2006 220 SANTE tower mount can be moved by hand about 1/4 inch and is noticably lose. I crawled under the observer seat and can see the nut but my largest socket was too small. Anyone know the size so I dont have to try 3 or 4 standing on my head to find the right one? Not sure what tower I have so attached pic. Thanks in advance.

[DanielC]

The screws that hold the tower on the boat are probably 1/4. The nut size is 7/16. You will probably need a deep socket, to get on the nut, and in some cases, you may need a universal joint on the socket, and a long extension.

When you run a Stainless nut on a Stainless bolt for a long distance, the threads on the nut can gall, and seize up. This my have happened on your boat. This is more common when power tools are used to run the nut down. You can help prevent this seizing by putting a small dab of grease on the threads of the screw before you put the nut on the screw.

My information is for the older type of tower mounts that had four screws on each tower pad. Since your tower mounts are under the cover, i can only guess what is there.

[01bigair]

Can't be cause my 13/16 socket was too small.

[case sensitive]

Are you sure? Is your 13/16ths a deep socket or a regular socket? I know the center pylon nuts are 3/4 (on DD boats), maybe the tower is the same, but you need a deep socket?

[01bigair]

Yes, it's like or is a spark plug socket. Either way, I could see that the nut had a larger diameter than the socket itself. I'll check it again take a pic if I can

[nautiques_199]

I'm pretty sure its a 1 1/16" socket you need.

[nms1991]

Its a 1 1/8 th socket but there was a update that was put out by correct craft, but one thing you may need to do is remove the studs they are mounted to the tower might need to be removed and reinstalled with locktite on the threads.

[AirTool]

Offshore we use a special never cease/lubricant/locker made for stainless/stainless connections to prevent galling. Can't recall brand/type but it is out there.