main sheet "tangs" on boom loose

  • Thread starter Scott Rutherford
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Scott Rutherford

On the end of my boom (O'Day 23) are two tangs (I think that's the right word) one for the topping lift and one for the main sheet. They are held in place by what I think is a "very loose bolt" through the end of the boom. There doesn't appear to be any way to get inside the boom and get at what is holding the bolt, short of knocking out the rivets that appear to hold the cap on the end of the boom. So, how do I tighten the bolt or don't I? Thanks to all you experienced folks who take time to help us that are trying to learn.
 
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David

Hi Scott

My Oday 22 has the same "problem," and either I'm really really lucky or there is some sort of lock holding the nut on the bolt inside the mast because my solution to this dilemma was to do nothing and check it periodically. The was over a year ago, and nothing has changed since. One would think that if this required regular maintenance access would have been provided, but I'm not sure if it is safe to assume this. Good luck, and you can always throw up the jib if you lose ability to control the main. (Yuk Yuk.)
 
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Jack Andrews

Boom Tangs

Yes, the Tangs should be "loose" so they rotate freely. The bolt is a 3/8 stainless steel bold that has either a nylock nut or a nut with a cotter pin safety. If the bolt is rotating and also twisting, then the aluminum casting is worn and might be a problem in the future (the bolt could pull out of the casting at an in-opportune moment. To re move the casting, drive the stainless steel cetners of the drive rivits into the boom with a skinny punch. Then drill out the rivets with a 3/16" drill bit or very slightly larger. The casting should come off the boom wit a few GENTLE tapsw with a hammer. yOu can remove tangs. install new bolt, add a sleeve if hole is greatly enlarged, etc. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE BOLT - FREE ,MOVEMENT IS GOOD (and safe). You can buy drive rivets at any really good sailboat dealer or hardware store. Or you can use self-tapping stainless (at least #10) to replace the rivets. Hobie Cat dealers also have full stainless pop-rivets - but get a really good rivet gun.
 
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Scott Rutherford

Thank You

Thanks for the replies folks. Based on Jack's reply I suspect that 1) the nut is loose and resting up against the safety cotter pin and 2) my casting is a bit worn, but I don't recall the hole being anywhere near large enough for the nut to come through. So, I think I'll monitor closely for now, and put it on the list of things to do (which currently stretches the length of the boat). When I do the repair,I think I will replace the rivets with screws in case I need to get in there again in the future.
 
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Dave

Tangs are likely OK

The tangs are loose so the boom can rotate. That is how you reduce mail sail area. The boom has a spring loaded gooseneck at the mast end. When you pull back (toward the stern of the boat) the boom can rotate. This rolls up sail. None of this would work if the tangs were locked in place. Dave
 
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