I have a 1973 Catalina 27. When I put up the sail last time going out, I realized the top rivets holding the boom to the gooseneck had sheared off. I think this may have happened when the boom dropped while putting the sail down before (it doesn't have a topping lift and I didn't hook it to the place it is held up before lowering). The bottom rivets have also clearly been stressed. I'm planning to replace all of them, but can't find any diagrams or manuals with what the size should be. Does anyone know what size/length these rivets are? I'm guessing 3/16 diameter (and can measure when back at the boat, but it will be hard to determine length. Would they be stainless steel for this location?
Boom to Gooseneck Rivets
- Thread starter alpiner
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- catalina 27 rivet
Since you need to remove the whole gooseneck fitting anyway you can measure the length accurately when it is disassembled. Or maybe someone on this forum who's done this job will know the thickness of the gooseneck fitting. But a guess would be a disservice to you.
I would be comfortable using aluminum rivets of good quality. It may be necessary to move up a size if the holes are sloppy after removal of the existing rivets (Which appear to be SS). Drill out that central pin and usually the rivet can be sheared off with a chisel or in this case just pulled out. It is likely remaining pieces will be inside the boom and should be removed.
To do this I would go to the trouble of removing the sail and the boom from the boat and work on them in a shop or at least a work station set up on shore. It's a fairly easy job. Don't make it difficult.
I would be comfortable using aluminum rivets of good quality. It may be necessary to move up a size if the holes are sloppy after removal of the existing rivets (Which appear to be SS). Drill out that central pin and usually the rivet can be sheared off with a chisel or in this case just pulled out. It is likely remaining pieces will be inside the boom and should be removed.
To do this I would go to the trouble of removing the sail and the boom from the boat and work on them in a shop or at least a work station set up on shore. It's a fairly easy job. Don't make it difficult.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,610
With @shemandr’s recommendations. Examine the hole in the boom. Based on your explanation, the wear on the boom may have elongated the holes used by the rivets. Corrosion happens. You may need to freshen the holes to get a solid rivet replacement. This may mean a larger rivet and matching hole. Having access to a shop and a drill press can simplify the results.