[Scott]

Thanks for the all the info guys....

Fellow-Ship.............I had a feeling you were going to say that!!!!! I guess you determined the problem when the cap came off the boat and you started demolition the splashwell. I've heard guys say their decks were soft back by the scuppers.....and when it got real cold it turned solid (hence the water saturated support you speak of). Thats not the case with mine.....the deck is rock solid all the time...and I'm hoping that the area around the tube is too since I cant budge the old brass tubes. And I think your right about the length....I pretty sure it may be a little longer than 4".

Miles .... the flaring tool .... threaded drill rod and a couple of nuts and large washers????? I saw one for sale but I 'm not paying $75 for a one shot deal.