I moved to WA from KY and settled in near a marina on the South Puget Sound. Came across a good deal for a Ranger 23 and decided what the heck. So I'm totally new to this. After about 7 trips a screw holding the boom on the gooseneck failed. It looks as though the previous fix used self tapping fence screws which I understand to not be an ideal fix. So purchased some 10 32 3/4in stainless machine bolts and the corresponding taps. Tip of the tap broke off near the end of the third hole, and so I just put a 1/2 bolt in. But, it looks like years of fixes have taken its toll, none of the bolts are in at a straight angle. I was hoping to get a gooseneck like the one pictured below as a back up in case my fix fails. Its U shaped...I'll grab a better pic later. Thoughts?
Ranger 23 (1976) Boom gooseneck
- Thread starter KrisShera
- Start date
Have you tried rivets?
I have this one and use it very often. It is just the cheap Lowe's brand. You could also try a new location. Your end cap has some meat a little lower down from the hole shown in the picture. Tap a hole there. BTW... you boom is aluminum so it would be best to use either an aluminum rivet or an aluminum screw. When dissimilar metals touch, they cause an electrolysis reaction that will oxidize the less noble metal.
I have this one and use it very often. It is just the cheap Lowe's brand. You could also try a new location. Your end cap has some meat a little lower down from the hole shown in the picture. Tap a hole there. BTW... you boom is aluminum so it would be best to use either an aluminum rivet or an aluminum screw. When dissimilar metals touch, they cause an electrolysis reaction that will oxidize the less noble metal.
Thank you for the reply. I have not tried rivets and really didn't even think about it, I will look into it. I also didn't consider that I could just tap an extra hole. Thanks also for the tip on dissimilar metals...I'm assuming this is something that happens slowly. I tapped those bolts in last night and was hoping to get out on the water today.
Would still be interested in learning about how to find parts like this. I've looked a bit on ebay but not extensively.
Well if you have any identifying marks on the mast or boom, you might find the company is still in business. I'd start there.
The two that seem most common are Dwyer and Z-spar
www.dwyermast.com
There is also a sub-forum here just for Ranger boats...
Try posting a question about who made your rig in that forum. I'm sure someone there knows and can point you to the right catalog.
Also I have also found that simply calling the SBO store (right here) usually leads to a guy who knows how to find stuff. They have tracked down may odd parts for me over the years. And they are usually within a few dollars of the next lowest price I find so ... I tend to start here.
Be Careful! Getting good with a rivet gun is addictive. It is so simple and fast that you will start "fixing" all sorts of things that way. Combine that with a cordless drill and you can get into all kinds of trouble.
The two that seem most common are Dwyer and Z-spar
Aluminum Extrusion | Dwyer Mast & Rigging
www.dwyermast.com
Z-Spar Main Page
www.rigrite.com
There is also a sub-forum here just for Ranger boats...
Ranger Boats (WA)
forums.sailboatowners.com
Try posting a question about who made your rig in that forum. I'm sure someone there knows and can point you to the right catalog.
Also I have also found that simply calling the SBO store (right here) usually leads to a guy who knows how to find stuff. They have tracked down may odd parts for me over the years. And they are usually within a few dollars of the next lowest price I find so ... I tend to start here.
Be Careful! Getting good with a rivet gun is addictive. It is so simple and fast that you will start "fixing" all sorts of things that way. Combine that with a cordless drill and you can get into all kinds of trouble.
Those holes are pretty beat up. I would try this. Sand, sanblast, or whatever to remove layer of oxide on gooseneck and inside of boom. And, immediately apply epoxy to the surfaces and slide the gooseneck into the boom. Duct tape to keep a little pressure on. Let it set. I don't think you'll ever get those pieces apart. This is unorthodox but short of buying a new gooseneck or boom I think it's a good option. The load on the boom/gooseneck is largely compression so .... I am a big fan of the Ranger 23!