Deck lifting at forward lowers

A

alan_critchlow

.
Nov 2, 2003
198
Our deck is lifting at the forward lower shroud u bolt. This has
happened over the life of the boat. The u bolts also hold down the
deck. However the top plates have pulled over the swage ears of the u
bolt. I do not know if I have explained this properly but now the deck
has lifted and it leaks in heavy weather. I am going to pull out the
forward shroud u bolts and thread them where the ears are and put a
nut on top of the plate. This will allow me to draw the deck back to
the hull.

Does anyone have a better idea? I could leave the u bolts as is and
put in some bolts on either side.

We are having a great time in the Bahamas

Alan & Felicity V 1639 Voila
 
P

pjacobs55

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,459
Alan:
My Vega has a similar problem on the starboard forward lower only.
It has not lifted enough to cause a leak, but it's noticeable if you
sight along the sheer line.

I've had various thoughts on the matter including replacing the
aluminum channel (that supports all three u-bolt/chain plates) with
a longer one with more strength, or installing long chainplates
bolted through the hull ... which would not look too good.

I like your idea of adding a nut to the u-bolt above the deck.
Better yet, why not weld the plate to the u-bolts to provide the
clamping force needed to keep the hull/deck joint together. A nice
neat stainless steel weld should do the trick.

Whatever solution you arrive at I'd be interested to know.
Good luck and happy cruising!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'
 
S

stevebirch2002

.
Nov 8, 2001
1,818
Hi All

I had some more U Bolt Chainplates made here in the UK with a wider
collar rather than just pinching in the sides. Ensure if you have these
made they are from 316 stainless as they hold teh mast up!!

Cheers

Steve B
 
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