Whiskeytrain Posted 15 hours ago Report Share Posted 15 hours ago Found out recently my 6ft power pole unit could be converted to 8ft by purchasing the 8 ft u-channels. I have an older stern bracket that fits the old 5/16 inch bolts. The new brackets use 3/8 inch bolts. Any tips on drilling out the holes on my current stern bracket (aluminum) to accommodate the 3/8inch bolts? Has anyone upgraded the u-channels on their units? I wasn’t considering buying a whole new power pole, but for the price of just the u-channels, I figured it was worth converting to 8ft. thanks for any advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted 4 hours ago Report Share Posted 4 hours ago I have never heard of anyone doing that but it sounds like a great project. I have no tips but Drilling the holes should be fairly easy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurem Posted 4 hours ago Report Share Posted 4 hours ago I am interested as well. Fire away and let us know what it takes. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tails Up Posted 3 hours ago Report Share Posted 3 hours ago The u-channel on my 6’ broke and they mistakenly sent 8’ rails. I think I just switched the nylon sleeves out to the larger 3/8” size. Never had to drill the mount or the top knuckle. If you do have to drill, I would use a drill press to ensure you drill straight. Don’t forget to get the 8’ spike as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt. Troy Posted 2 hours ago Report Share Posted 2 hours ago No issue drilling in place as it was a retrofit kit to go from 5/16 to 3/8. Get that kit and replace all the bushings while you are at it. The 5/16 bolt was a weak point for sure. Double check with PP to make sure the 6 foot piston will work. Took me about an hour. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskeytrain Posted 2 hours ago Author Report Share Posted 2 hours ago 5 minutes ago, Capt. Troy said: No issue drilling in place as it was a retrofit kit to go from 5/16 to 3/8. Get that kit and replace all the bushings while you are at it. The 5/16 bolt was a weak point for sure. Double check with PP to make sure the 6 foot piston will work. Took me about an hour. According to them, all is good and just need to bore out the stern bracket to accommodate the larger 3/8 bolt. I’d prefer not to drill, but I also do not want to buy a new stern bracket and have to rebolt and reseal with 5200 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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