DRB INNOVATORS, LLC
WWW.DRBINNOVATORS.COM
Installation Instructions for
Adjustable Framing Brackets
Description
DRB Innovators introduces the Adjustable Framing Bracket. A product that allows boat owners to easily deploy a framing system to support a boat's winter cover.
The Adjustable Framing Bracket simply and quickly clamps to horizontal or vertical 1" (25mm) and 7/8" (22mm) pulpit rails and stanchion posts. The brackets allow for the insertion of 3/4"(19mm) I.D. (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit or 3/4" EMT. PVC Conduit is sold in 10' (3.05m) sections.
Installation
Note
These installation instructions were written for sailboats. Motor boats that use the Adjustable Framing Brackets should use the following instructions for guidance only.
Caution
To reduce the risk of bracket loosening, it is
recommended that the brackets be tightened securely.1. Refer to Figure 1. One Adjustable Framing Bracket (Item 14) attaches to the upper portion of each horizontal or vertical stanchion or pulpit rail (Item 12). Attach the bracket as follows:
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a. |
Refer to Photo 1. Remove the two Allen wrench cap screws and separate the split clamp. Place the 1" (25mm) or additional 7/8"(22mm) split rubber insert (depending on your stanchion size) around the stanchion. |
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b. |
Place the split clamp halves around the stanchion just below the lifeline such that the bracket insert lever rises above and over the top of the stanchion and lifeline (Refer to Photo 1). Secure the split clamp halves using the two Allen wrench cap screws loosened in Step 1.a. Tighten appropriately. |
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c. |
Loosen the fore and aft lever of the bracket (Photo 1) and adjust to the desired position. Tighten appropriately. |
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d. |
Loosen the insert lever of the bracket (Photo 1) and adjust to the desired position. Tighten appropriately. |
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e. |
Loosen the insert lever set screw (Photo1) to allow for the insert of the flexible support rib in Step 2. |
f. Repeat Steps 1.a. to 1.d. for each stanchion/pulpit rail.
2. Refer to Figure 1. Assemble the center ridgepole support stands, center ridge pole, and 3/4" (19mm) (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit lateral flexible support ribs (Figure 1 (Item 16) as follows:
a. Manufacture center ridgepole support stands (Figure 1 (Item 22)and Photo 2) out of appropriate material and cut to desired height. In order to protect the boat deck, wood with underlying carpet or foam padding is recommended.
b. Manufacture the center ridgepole running between the bow and stern (Figure 1 (Item 20) and Photo 3). Wood is recommended.c. Place support stands (Step 2.a.) on the boat's centerline and between the opposing Adjustable Framing Brackets.
d. Set the center ridgepole between the bow and stern. It is recommended that the center ridgepole be set flush into the top of the support stands (Photo 4). For additional support, it is recommended that the end of the center ridgepole be lashed down to the bow and stern rail for additional support and stiffness.
e. At each junction between the support stands and the center ridgepole, insert wood screws through the support stands and into the center ridgepole to add stiffness. Refer to Photo 2 showing the wood screws.
f. Depending on the beam of the boat, join a minimum of two 3/4" (19mm) I.D. (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit lateral support ribs together. Place one end of the lateral support rib into an Adjustable Framing Bracket and flex over the support stand to the opposing bracket. Cut the lateral support rib to the desired length and insert into the opposing bracket. Tighten the setscrew.
Figure 1. General Arrangement Drawing (Lifelines removed from boat stanchions for clarity)
Note
When joining two or more 3/4" (19mm) I.D. (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit lateral support ribs together, it is recommended that the joint areas be wrapped with duct tape to prevent ribs from working loose.
g. Repeat Step 2.f. for each lateral support rib.
h. At each junction on top of the support stands, fasten a standard 3/4" (19mm) I.D. pipe clamp (plastic or metal) over the lateral support ribs. It is recommended to secure the 3/4" (19mm) pipe clamp to the center ridgepole with standard wood screws. In addition, drill a nail size hole through the top of the plastic or metal clamp going through both the clamp and the PVC rib. Drop a nail through the top. This will prevent side to side movement. Refer to Photo 4.i. Repeat Step 2.h. for each lateral support rib.
3. Refer to Figure 1. Assemble longitudinal support ribs (Item 18) as follows:
Note
It is recommended to use 3/4" (19mm) I.D. (1"(25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit for the longitudinal support ribs.
When joining two or more 3/4" (19mm) I.D. (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit longitudinal support ribs together, it is recommended that the joint areas be wrapped with duct tape to prevent ribs from working loose.
The following description details the use of two longitudinal support ribs Figure 1 (Item 18) running between the bow and the stern. However, the length of your boat may require the use of more longitudinal support ribs to prevent pocket areas from forming once the main cover is placed over the framing system. If this is the case, ensure that the spacing between the longitudinal support ribs is equal.
a. Assemble all longitudinal support ribs using 3/4" (19mm) I.D. (1" (25mm) O.D.) Schedule 40 Gray Electrical PVC Conduit. The length of the longitudinal support ribs depends on the length of your vessel. A hacksaw is required to cut to desired length.
b. Fasten one end of the starboard longitudinal support rib to the rear most lateral support rib, midway between the stanchion and center ridge pole (Figure 1 (Item 18). Duct or electrical tape is a suitable material for fastening the lateral support rib with the longitudinal support rib. The longitudinal support rib should be placed over the top of the lateral support rib. A marine grade 4-way adjustable frame maker clamp can also be used to fasten the lateral support rib with the longitudinal support rib.c. Repeat Step 3.a. until the front most lateral support rib is reached. At the ends of each longitudinal support rib, it is recommended to duct tape a piece of foam padding or carpet over the ends to prevent the ends from penetrating through the winter cover.
d. Repeat Steps 3.b. and 3.c for the port longitudinal support rib.
e. Depending on the type of cover material used, it is recommended to duct tape a small piece of foam padding or carpet over each bracket to prevent possible wear spots.
4. The cover frame is now complete and ready for the application of your winter cover.
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4
Photo 1 - Adjustable Framing Bracket
Photo 2 - Center Ridgepole Support Stand
Photo 3 - Center Ridgepole
Photo 4 - Center Ridgepole into Top of Support Stand
WARRANTY
ALL ADJUSTABLE FRAMING BRACKETS ARE MADE FROM MARINE GRADE 316 STAINLESS STEEL AND ARE WARRANTED AGAINST FAULTY MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE.
DRB INNOVATORS WILL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE PRODUCT, THE ABOVE INSTALLATION FRAMING PROCEDURES, OR FORCE MAJEURE.
Final Product Example - Sailboat Installation. Refer to the Application Photo's for a Motor Boat Application.
David R. Bergeron
Copyright © 2002 [DRB Innovators, LLC]. All rights reserved.
