deck hardware

[Steve Voyce]

I plan to run my spinaker halyard back to the cockpit through a deck organizer and a clutch. Can I mount the organizer and clutch using sheetmetal screws so I don't have to disturb the overhead or should I use fasteners that pass all the way through the deck and secure with nuts? If I do use nuts and bolts should I cut larger circles in the overhead so I can use a socket set to tighten the nuts against the underside of the deck?Any ideas? thanks steve

 

[d j]

Check with Hunter

I'd be incline to talk to Hunter. Your deck may need reinforcement from below. Sheet metal screws are out in my humble opinion (IMHO). The organizer and clutches will be under great pressure to pull out. Hence I definitely would go with bolts and pan washers. But that may not be enough.To be safe, safe call Eddie at Hunter or email him at:customerservice@huntermarine.com. I think he can also be reached at these phone numbers: 800-771-5556 or 386-462-3077.

 

[Terry]

Hi Steve, DJ is right. Sheet metal screws...

might hold under light loads, but will pull out under stress when you need them most, especially with the sheet loads created by wind forces. Also, I make it a practice to use nothing less than stainless steel fasteners anywhere on the boat.Terry

 

[Steve Dion]

Only bolts/machine screws, no wood/sheet metal screws.

Steve:These guys are on the mark here. You need to have all of this hardware mounted correctly.First. The halyard for the spinaker can be routed through the existing deck organizer. If you do NOT have a extra sheave you can get a wider one or a double stack. If you can find one from your current mfg you should be able to use the existing holes. Normally the area where these are mounted has an aluminum plate imbedded under the fiberglass. If you remove the existing organzier you will see that there are machine screws in the deck. If you decider to go a wider organizer you will need a drill and tap combination of the proper size (typically .25" tap). If you can get a double stacked unit for the same mfg you may just need to remove you current unit and using the proper length machine screws and some caulking to re-install.The next item is your line clutch. You should be able to purchase one and mount it next to the existing clutches and use the same mounting method that Hunter used. Be sure to caulk all of your deck hardware with the approiate type of caulking.

 

[Steve Voyce]

port vice starboard

The reason I was going to mount another deck organizer and clutch assembly was that the exit point for my spinaker halyard is on the port side of the mast vice starboard where the other halyards exit. It would be tough to route the halyard to starboard when it exits out the port so the new organizer and clutch would be mounted on the port side. any ideas?