H40.5 creaking sounds near mast

[Brian R]

I hear creaking sounds at the top of the salon ceiling near the mast in moderate waves and wind conditions. It seemed to be a little louder this past year than previous years. I do not see any structural problems near the mast step area on the deck or inside the salon. I did not have sounds like that on my yH34. Anyone with similar experience? Do I need to re-tune the rigging? My leeward inner shrouds do seem a little loose when the wind kicks up. Ideas? Thanks

 

[PrincessoftheLake]

Brian-
I have not noticed anything like that on my 1995 40.5 but we are not back in the water yer either this year. She seems to be very quiet down below even in heavy air. Did you have a Hunter 34 first? We had a 1985 Hunter 34 for 3 years before we got the 40.5 about 4 years ago. I thought the H34 was creakier and that boat definately had stress cracks inside the salon. I'll be interested to see if anyone else has this issue.

POTL

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Brian
My experience is that the inners are loose on the leeward side with the rig properly tuned. I suspect the noise might be from other than the step as sound will travel through the mast and appear to come from anywhere. That being said, I'd check the blocks at the mast step (easiest problem to fix), vang where it attaches to the mast, gooseneck and any loose stuff, i.e., reefing blocks, before I'd suspect the step itself which is probably the most secure point in the entire rig.

 

[Jeff Bacon]

Brian:

I tracked a similar sounding creaking noise to the base of the mast. In the conditions you related, I found my mast was rocking a bit ( a tiny bit), but enough to cause a creaking sound. I could not see it rock, but when I placed my finger at the base so I was touching both the mast and the deck, I could feel it. Tightened up the rig a bit, and the noise went away.

Good luck..... Jeff

 

[Rick D]

Not Here, but...

I had my rig tuned last year. I do not notice a lightening of the leeward shrouds that is noticeable, altho there is obviously some unloading. My first bet would be the gooseneck is creaking and transmitting down the mast. I'd try lubing it as a first step.

 

[Steve W]

I'm with Rick on this one. A healthy dose of some lubricant (WD-40?) on the gooseneck is where I'd start. If that doesn't do the trick then I'd double check the shrouds and possibly re-tune the rig.

 

[Rich Stidger]

I'll vote for the gooseneck creaking

The creaking of the goose-neck (squeak, screech, whatever) has been a real annoyance to me over the years. I don't hear it under sail, but at anchor when the boat and boom are just rocking, the creak is rather loud. I tie-off the boom hard to one side to minimize the noise.

However, I have tried several lubricants with no lasting success and some disasters.

I have found that light oils like WD-40, 3-in-1, and such are effective for a very short period of time but the big problem with them is that they run out and drip on the deck causing a black stain that is extremely difficult to remove as it seems to penetrate the fiberglass.

Thicker greases are difficult to install as it requires complete removal of the boom and swabbing of the internal surfaces of the goose-neck bearing areas. These greases also tend to ooze out and can be transferred to the sail if not frequently checked and cleaned. The grease I have tried is Super Lube.

Stuff like silicone spray is a waste of time.

Bottom line- I have not yet - after 12 years - found a lasting and satisfactory solution for stopping the annoying creak at anchor.

If any of you have a suggestion for a lube that does the job and doesn't create a mess resulting in a bigger problem than the noise, PLEASE make your suggestion!!

 

[Rick D]

Re: I'll vote for the gooseneck creaking

Rich, I have had the same experience as you. I now use 3-in-1 light oil. I still have to be sure it does not drip down and I wipe up the excess so it doesn't stain the sail, but it is messy and only lasts a month or two at most. I don't like tearing it out to use something firmer. I used a white grease once and it was a mess as it traveled out. I also have a small stain under it where the stuff got into the fiberglass.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks Rick. Maybe someone else will have the "silver bullet" solution!

 

[Allan Frey]

Try high pressure bearing grease from an auto store.

I've found that if I pull the gooseneck bolt, after supporting the boom at the gooseneck with the halyard, I can easily pull apart the assembly. Clean out the old grease and LIGHTLY lub the bearing surfaces and bolt shaft, not threads. Then reassemble. Will last 2-3 years with no creaking or dripping.

Allan

 

[Brian R]

Thanks everyone. I see a lot of good ideas and will give them a try. I appreciate everyone's input.