Aft boom bolt for main sheet

[zinkosaurus]

We just launched our 74' O'Day 22 on Saturday. We hadn't noticed until now that at the aft end of the boom, the bolt that holds the flat piece of metal (that the main sheet block attaches to) on the end of the boom is really loose. I'd guess there is a nut, inside the boom, but the nut has worked loose, and we can't tighten or loosen it.

We're worried that our main sheet is going to pop off mid-sail...

I drilled a 1/8" hole into the side of boom; thought I could get in there and hold the nut still and tighten the bolt, but no luck. Looks like the next step is to try to drill out the rivets and remove the aluminum piece at the end of the boom? but I don't want to do more damage than good.

Anyone familiar with this, have any tips? I'm pretty sure it's the original rigging.

Thanks,
Peter

 

[HukilauMike]

You have it right chief; you will have to drill out those rivets to remove the boom end cap and tighten the nut. However, my Oday 23 has the same set up, and its been "loose" for as long as I've owned the boat (11 years). Note that it has to be at least somewhat loose in order for that piece of metal to be able to move sufficiently to accomodate the various sheeting angles. I've never tightened the fixture on my boom, although I did think through a plan to deal with situation if it does pop off in the middle of a sail.

 

[zinkosaurus]

...I did think through a plan to deal with situation if it does pop off in the middle of a sail.

Do tell?

 

[RichBone]

Go ahead and drill out the rivets. No big deal. If they're pop rivets you can just rerivet. Or you can tap the holes in the casting and use screws to hold it on. I've had both of my ends off and upgraded my boom to internal reefing. By taking it off you'll know exactly what's going on inside (the nut might even be back welded). Since you've got a 35 yr old boat you need to get used to the idea of preventive maintenance and repair and get to know your boat inside and out so you won't have those surprises.
If you need any help we're here for you.

Rich

 

[Indysailor]

I just replaced the gooseneck casting on my boom. The nut on it was pretty loose too, but it was held fast by a tiny weld, like they just tapped it with an arc welder to hold the nut on. You may have the same thing going on inside of your boom.

 

[HukilauMike]

Do tell?

I made up a length of line that was sized to loop around the boom: an eye at one end and a c-clamp fitting at the other. the plan was in case the bolt pulled out, I would put this line around the end of the boom in between a couple of the main sail slides and as close to the end of the boom as I could. I would unfasten the main tackle from the pulled-out bolt, and then fasten the tackle to the loop. I figured that would last long enough to get back to port.

That was about ten years ago, and I have no idea where that little piece of line is now. I haven't even thought of this in years, but I guess I could just tie a line around the boom in a pinch.

 

[zinkosaurus]

Thanks everyone, this site is such a great resource! -- we'll take a shot at this weekend, and I'll post a photo of the results.

-Peter