squeaking on mast connection

[NCBrew]

Where my boom connects to the mast there is a shaft for the boom to swing on and it squeaks while at the dock.
I can stop it if I tighten the mainsheet or the boom vang. I tried to apply grease at the fitting with no luck.(it does not get inside.)
A grease fitting would be nice but I do not want to undertake that. Any suggestions

 

[shemandr]

Wouldn't the main sheet be tightened while at the dock? For perhaps that reason but also so that the crew can grab the boom for a hand hold while moving about the boat without going for a ride.
For lubrication try a dry Teflon spray like Sailcoat - except buy a non marine versions at the hardware store for a fraction of the price. I think PB Blaster makes one.

 

[Tally Ho]

In addition to keeping my mainsheet tight and my traveller all the way over to one side, I have a short block and tackle set up so I can pull the boom down and away while at the dock. Keeps it from moving much at all.

Can you get some spray lubricant into the shaft in the boom? Or can you pull the shaft up some to get some lubricant in?

Greg

 

[Rich Stidger]

You need to pull the boom out of the gooseneck and lube with a good waterproof grease. I use winch grease. Repeat yearly or as required. Also, move the traveler off to one side and snug the mainsheet. Then tie a line to the boom and pull it to the opposite side. You need NO movement at all. Even the slightest movement will often cause a squeak.

 

[jssailem]

You have to look at what is happening. The noise is produced by metal on metal movements. Grease will cool the savage beast but only for awhile. Like feeding a tiger. Most sailors will strangle the beast by pulling it to the side out of the way. This offers 3 benefits.

• With the boom “secured” you can grab it when that power boat wake rolls by,
• Secured it does not move with the wind so no squeak noise
• Secured to the side it will not “boom” you or crew as you move about the cockpit

I like the idea @Rich Stidger shares. 2 lines pulling against each other should affix the boom.

 

[JoeWhite]

On my C36, I pulled out the bolt, applied bearing crease , reinserted the bolt and at the bottom I added a washer that I had fabricated from polypropylene. No more squeaking.

 

[jssailem]

Nice trick with the Polypropylene washer.

 

[flightlead404]

In addition to keeping my mainsheet tight and my traveller all the way over to one side, I have a short block and tackle set up so I can pull the boom down and away while at the dock. Keeps it from moving much at all.

Can you get some spray lubricant into the shaft in the boom? Or can you pull the shaft up some to get some lubricant in?

Greg

I tighten the mainsheet down as much as I can, but that doesn't completely solve the noise issue. So I then connect a bungee from the boom to the mount for the traveler car line sheave and then tension it by pulling the traveler over the other way. Seems to work well, need a new bungee each year.