Overtightened Shrouds-O'Day 25

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Jun 15, 2004
13
- - Anchorage, AK
Well we put our boat back in the water for the season yesterday, with one major glitch. I assumed the shroud turnbuckles were as loose as I left them when we last hauled the boat out and put the mast down. Unfortunately, the turnbuckle on the port upper shroud was tightened to the max; I have no idea how this happened, and did not know it until too late. Anyway, the point is when we put up the mast, the shrouds became very tight and slightly "sprung" the chainplates. In other words, I can see where the chainplate fastening bolts were from their marks on the bulkhead; they have now shifted up about 1/8", and the lower most bolts are now at a bit of an angle from the extra pull. Should I ignore this? Do I need to do major repairs? If so, how? Any input on dealing with similar issues would be very much appreciated, as it appears our Memorial Day weekend may be spent in the harbor working, instead of out on Resurrection Bay.
 
P

Paul Mieszczenski

Backing PLate

Kevin, When I replaced the bulkhead on my 25 I made backing plates for the chainplates out of 1/4" x 1" aluminum strap. You should be able to loosen the rig, remove 3 of the 4 nuts holding the chainplate, install the backing plate on the top or bottom bolt whichever way you went, put the nut back on snug but not tight. Remove the last nut and swing the plate into alignment with the rest of the holes and bolt her back up. If making the backer is not something you can do, how about adding a larger washer to each of the bolts to increase holding power. PM
 
Jun 15, 2004
13
- - Anchorage, AK
Good suggestions

Thank you for your suggestions. One issue I still need to address, though, is whether I have compromised the bolt holes in the bulkhead. I am wondering if there will now be some "slop" in the bolt holes since I have overstressed them. I wonder if I can fill them with epoxy and redrill the holes. I'm still working on a solution to this part of the problem.
 
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