Daysailer III Jib Track

[mikeDS3]

I have a 1987 DS3 with the original Garhauer swivel jib cam cleats and recently purchased new Ronstan jam cleats to replace them. The jib track has "stoppers" at each end which are no problem. Due to the inset of the jib track with the deck, the cleat&traveler could not be removed at either of the track. The problem I've discovered (or created) is upon removing the first bolt in the track, the bolt acted like it stripped out. As I applied pressure upward to get the bolt to thread out, all was going fine until I got the bolt completely out and heard the infamous 'plunk' of a nut on the inside of the hull. I wasn't expecting the track to be held down by "freestanding" nuts on the underside. The DS3 has 2 round inspection hatches, 1 on each side of the centerboard trunk on the cockpit floor close to the cuddy opening.

I thought I had a 10 minute job to replace the 2 cleats, but I can't proceed knowing the jib tracks would be compromised by this bolt issue. Each track has 4 bolts in addition to the stoppers at each end. The stoppers provide some mount strength, but they are smaller screws not bolts.

I would be much obliged if anyone has any ideas on how to secure the jib tracks.

 

[Joe11688]

It's pretty hard to understand or visualize without pictures Mike. Do you think that you could install a couple of deck plates to get at the nuts?

 

[mikeDS3]

Hi Joe, I'll take some pic's and get them posted. Thanks for the reply, it is much appreciated.

Mike

 

[Sunbird22358]

Even Rudy is surprised and a bit disappointed, that those trackes were not backed up by a metal strip glassed to the underside of the deck! On my DS II there are bolts at each end of the track that also act as stoppers. The middle of the track is secured by 3 sheetmetal screws. I replaced the screws last summer with larger, flathead screws after the originals had stripped out. I'll include a pic of one of my DS II tracks and a pic I found of a DS III. The pic of my boat was prior to my replacing the screws.

 

[mikeDS3]

Thanks for the reply Sunbird. Appreciate your time checking with Rudy, the pics and your note. The tracks are inset from the gunwales so external deck plates don't appear to be an option. Only option I've come up with so far, is possibly drilling a decent size whole in the cockpit seat back under the track where I hope to have access to the bolt nuts, then make the hole another inspection hatch. The cleats are still fine in light winds, but in a moderate breeze, the last 2 seasons of sailing the cleats are worn enough they sometimes let loose of the sheet. If anyone thinks of other possible solutions, I'd appreciate any and all ideas. Mike

 

[mikeDS3]

Joe, I thought I had a pic attached to me last reply. Must be OE. I'll try and get it online. Mike

trying again

 

[Joe11688]

I would install deck plates Mike. Those tracks should be backed up with backing plates. I installed a deck plate in the center of my inside transom to get at my cockpit self bailing hose and I was able to get at my gudgeons and electric wire to my light. I still use that access to feed my charging wire from my outboard into that area where I have a terminal board near my lazarett hatch opening on a bulkhead. It was the smartest move that I ever made.
Joe

 

[mikeDS3]

Joe, thanks for the advice. I'm not too enthused to add 2 more holes to the cockpit area, but the original cleats are wearing out and there doesn't appear any other way to get them changed out. I hadn't thought of using deck plates to cover the access holes. The backing plates are the proper way to secure the tracks. We have a welding shop in our area that will cut and stamp just about anything so I'm confident I can get them made up.

Appreciate and value your insight and experience. I read the other forum items and always learn something from your information. Thanks for the help.

Mike

 

[Joe11688]

Good luck with that Mike!
Joe