Like pushing teeth

[Kermit]

We sailed in a pretty stiff breeze today under main alone. On the way back in I noticed a pretty big wobble in the mast/boom connection. I dropped the main quickly and motored back to the dock. The pin that connects the boom to the mast had pulled partway out. We got it back in with a fair amount of difficulty. Lining up the holes was like pushing teeth!
I bought a new pin from West Marine on the way home. Are those two bitty little spring-loaded balls normally strong enough for the job? I can't help but think a ring ding on each end would be better. What say y'all?

 

[JohnVTX]

Mine has a stainless steel pin

 

[kloudie1]

Yup.. or if ya not removing it a lot, a bolt and nylock nut. Here is the connection on the 34.

 

[Jackdaw]

I doubt that pin was original. A ring fitting would be much more secure.

 

[Kermit]

Thanks y'all. And Kloudie, I *really* appreciate you running down to your boat right quick to take that picture for me!

 

[Benny17441]

It looks like the joint between mast and boom lost stretch or compression forces allowing vibration to work the pin out. It could happen again so I would not rely on a spring loaded pin. Get a bolt and locknut.

 

[JamesG161]

Get a bolt and locknut.

Looking closely at your picture, @Kermit , someone thought the same thing. At least someone recently scratched the circular area around the pin shaft.
Note @kloudie1 picture has simple snap ring on the lower pulley shaft. Both his and yours rely on the "spring" effect to secure the bolts, laterally.

The pin that connects the boom to the mast had pulled partway out

Although most of the mechanical forces are NOT lateral (left and right movement) they can "slip" out.
The weight of your boom prevented the bolt loss.

Put it this way...
I would sail, as crew, with you and your rig as shown. It should be ok as long as the itty bitty spring inside the bolt works for several seasons.
Jim...

 

[victorhoisington]

My H28 used pin and ring, one way to help a little is to put a washer on either side but, it is generally not necessary. Go with as big a ring as you can, fit on the pin and you'll be fine.

Do not use a bolt/nut setup, the boom moves up/down based upon vang, mainsheet and sail settings and the movement will eventually cause the nut to back off of the bolt.

Fair winds

 

[BudGates]

Do not use a bolt/nut setup, the boom moves up/down based upon vang, mainsheet and sail settings and the movement will eventually cause the nut to back off of the bolt.

Fair winds

With the nylon locknut, as shown in the picture, you'll have no problems at all.

 

[lee oakley]

Kermit no way I would use something like that! Seems it should have a clip

 

[Joe Blizzard]

This pic on Dwyer's web site suggests they like to secure the pins in their gooseneck castings with a cotter pin: https://www.dwyermast.com/images/DH305-1sm.gif

 

[Kermit]

This pic on Dwyer's web site suggests they like to secure the pins in their gooseneck castings with a cotter pin: https://www.dwyermast.com/images/DH305-1sm.gif

It sure does, Joe. I looked on their website yesterday but missed that. Good find. Thanks!

 

[Kermit]

Thanks to Joe Blizzard I decided to call Dwyer Mast. Here's the definitive answer. Part 6 is the pin they used with part 7 on the other end.

 

[uncledom]

On some masts the tolerance is so close when the boom is swung to one side that you must use a pin because the head on the bolt will be a problem. It's not good to have thread on moving parts as these and they use a pin because it is full shouldered. I'm glad you found the part. get two.

 

[JamesG161]

Thanks to Joe Blizzard I decided to call Dwyer Mast. Here's the definitive answer. Part 6 is the pin they used with part 7 on the other end.

Hmmmmmm PART 9 looks familiar. You need up and down freedom and a lateral pin holding mechanism. I think your new part is good to go.
Jim...