I have a 1976 h30 and the other day I was checking the bolts on the toe rail. I went down to make sure they were tight and was surprised to find many were loose. 2-3 turns loose! Has anybody else noticed this?
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Makes you wonder
have a 89-30 and found the same thing. numerous bolts needed tightening. Could it be from sealant drying out, not being done at the factory, or just expansion and contraction?
have a 89-30 and found the same thing. numerous bolts needed tightening. Could it be from sealant drying out, not being done at the factory, or just expansion and contraction?
Excessive vibration loosens bolts
On my 1979 30' I have always had a problem with the toe rail bolts becoming loose. I think that this is due to all that vibration from the one banger. I bought a set of deep sockets and tightened every bolt every year. I have treid using plumbers putty on the bolt and it seemed to help delay but not eliminate the bolts working loose. This year I put a second nut on each bolt and so far they have not been able to work themselves loose. Time will tell
On my 1979 30' I have always had a problem with the toe rail bolts becoming loose. I think that this is due to all that vibration from the one banger. I bought a set of deep sockets and tightened every bolt every year. I have treid using plumbers putty on the bolt and it seemed to help delay but not eliminate the bolts working loose. This year I put a second nut on each bolt and so far they have not been able to work themselves loose. Time will tell
Loose bolts ?
I had some leaks around the toerail,tightened all from the center out. No more leaks, no more loose bolts, three years now. My boat had self locking nuts. Sus pect bolts didnt loosen,but soft caulking compressed. This a good thing. The Cherebuni boats have and extremly strong hull to deck joint,with thru bolts every six inches. My only problem with the bolts is that they are carriage type, and I had to file a slot in the head to keep them from turning. Good luck red
I had some leaks around the toerail,tightened all from the center out. No more leaks, no more loose bolts, three years now. My boat had self locking nuts. Sus pect bolts didnt loosen,but soft caulking compressed. This a good thing. The Cherebuni boats have and extremly strong hull to deck joint,with thru bolts every six inches. My only problem with the bolts is that they are carriage type, and I had to file a slot in the head to keep them from turning. Good luck red
Anybody have any problems with any of them..
corroding off?? Brushed one of them while washing the other day and one of the carriage bolt heads popped off. Wonder how many others I'll find.
corroding off?? Brushed one of them while washing the other day and one of the carriage bolt heads popped off. Wonder how many others I'll find.
Electrolysis?
I'm assuming that the rail is made of aluminum, and the bolts are stainless steel. Does this create a problem and should there be some sort of insulator/sealant to prevent the current flow and deteriaton, especially for salt water use? I haven't looked at mine closely, and am just thinking out loud.
I'm assuming that the rail is made of aluminum, and the bolts are stainless steel. Does this create a problem and should there be some sort of insulator/sealant to prevent the current flow and deteriaton, especially for salt water use? I haven't looked at mine closely, and am just thinking out loud.
Pitting on toe rail
On my 88 35, there has been some corrosion in the form of pitting along the aluminum toe rail. It occurs along where the toe rail meets the fiberglass deck. I suspect is may have started when I used steel wool (big mistake, don't use steel wool, I learned too late) to try to clean off some old sealant, and the bits of steel caused galvanic corrosion on the toe rail. Problem is, even after thoroughly cleaning, it seems to be worsening (tho very slowly). I am thinking about sanding out the pits and then covering the toe rail with some sort of coating, perhaps clear acrylic or enamel paint? The comments of any metals experts would be appreciated.
On my 88 35, there has been some corrosion in the form of pitting along the aluminum toe rail. It occurs along where the toe rail meets the fiberglass deck. I suspect is may have started when I used steel wool (big mistake, don't use steel wool, I learned too late) to try to clean off some old sealant, and the bits of steel caused galvanic corrosion on the toe rail. Problem is, even after thoroughly cleaning, it seems to be worsening (tho very slowly). I am thinking about sanding out the pits and then covering the toe rail with some sort of coating, perhaps clear acrylic or enamel paint? The comments of any metals experts would be appreciated.
Periodic Maintenance
On the Legends, with outward turned toerails, the bolts will come loose during normal sailing. Tightening them occasionally seems to be just part of the normal maintenance on the boat. I've found that the more sailing I've done in really rough conditions, the sooner some of the bolts will need tightening. So far, about once a year. No big deal.
On the Legends, with outward turned toerails, the bolts will come loose during normal sailing. Tightening them occasionally seems to be just part of the normal maintenance on the boat. I've found that the more sailing I've done in really rough conditions, the sooner some of the bolts will need tightening. So far, about once a year. No big deal.
Tricks of the trade
Before tightening them (as they will most likely loosen again) put some red locktight or even better a little finger full of 3M 5200 to keep them from rattling loose.
Before tightening them (as they will most likely loosen again) put some red locktight or even better a little finger full of 3M 5200 to keep them from rattling loose.
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