Replacing o'day 20 gooseneck

[savon17]

On my O'Day 20, the gooseneck has separated from the boom. It appears to have been riveted to the boom and that's what let go. I can buy a new gooseneck, but I don't know the best way to secure it to the boom. Does anyone have any tips on that?
S. Watson
savon17@cox.net

 

[Joe11688]

I would take it to a sailboat rigging store and have them do it. Your closest one is Rig-Rite in Warwick. I really don't like sending anyone there. If there is another one close by I'd take it to them. Outside of a place in Fairhaven Ma., the Only other guy would be Rudy of D&R Marine.
http://www.drmarine.com/

 

[Barnacle Bill]

If the rivets just failed, then you should be able to rivet it back with pop rivets and a pop rivet gun. Not a very expensive fix. If you need to buy new parts because of a failure, then I would suspect that the aluminum casting may have broken, but the stainless parts are ok. In that case you should be able to get a replacement casting from Dwyer Mast in Connecticut. If this is more than you want to deal with, then take your parts to a good sailboat dealer with service and they should be able to sort it out for you. If not, send it to me, I will fix it for you.

 

[Joe11688]

If worse comes to worse you could always re drill the holes, tap them for threads, and use stainless steel machine screws to attach it back. It depends on the existing holes in the spar. Two years ago I replaced my Jib sheave block on my mast and I used machine screws.
They have these star rivets that you can use which only require a hammer to install them.
About four years ago when I bought my CDI Roller Furler, I had to install a Dwyer mast tang on my mast for my fore stay. I spotted the area where the tang was to be mounted, drilled the holes for the rivets and trailered my boat down to Rudy's store and had him rivet the tang on with his pneumatic rivet gun. It was well worth it to have him do it.

Last year I installed a pad eye on my mast for my whisker pole. I drilled the holes, tapped them for threads and used machine screws to attach it. I always use thread lock cement on the screws so they don't vibrate out.
It really depends on the condition of the holes on your boom or mast. If they're in good shape, you should be able to rivet it back. Myself, a rivet tool isn't something that I would wind up using more than once.