I need to install a bail on my mast for vang attachment, I would like to thru bolt it as opposed to screwing or riveting, , can anyone who has done this tell me whether I need to remove the mast base, wondering about wires I might hit when drilling thru, also if some one has done this, what size bail and bolt , did u use, any suggestions for drilling to assure a perfect 90 degree penetration so I come out lined up in line with where I start drilling, the mast is z spar , thanks as usual for all of the help.
vang attachment/23
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J
Joe Boyette
Drilling mast
I drilled the boom on my previous boat, a hunter 33, for a bail. For your boat, could you measure and mark both sides using the centerline groove for a reference point? Then I'd suggest drilling inward from each side, respectively.
I drilled the boom on my previous boat, a hunter 33, for a bail. For your boat, could you measure and mark both sides using the centerline groove for a reference point? Then I'd suggest drilling inward from each side, respectively.
M
mike
why?
Mike.......if you're talking about running a bolt clear through to the front of your mast I'm wondering if that's not overkill. If you ever run your halyards out the bottom of the mast those bolts will be an obstacle. I'd think riveting would be fine for your bail. I've got a rivet gun you can borrow.
Mike.......if you're talking about running a bolt clear through to the front of your mast I'm wondering if that's not overkill. If you ever run your halyards out the bottom of the mast those bolts will be an obstacle. I'd think riveting would be fine for your bail. I've got a rivet gun you can borrow.
M
Merrill Mant
Strongly suggest you not through bolt!!!
As soon as you start to tighten up on the through bolt you will start to collapse the alu mast shape. If you do want a bolt to pass through the mast, then support the mast shape with a stainless or alu tube (larger diameter than the bolt) that you insert inside the mast (exactly as long as the mast inside dimension), passing the bolt inside the tube. This will prevent the mast from distorting. You should be able to get all the strength you need from just riviting the base attachnment to the mast.
As soon as you start to tighten up on the through bolt you will start to collapse the alu mast shape. If you do want a bolt to pass through the mast, then support the mast shape with a stainless or alu tube (larger diameter than the bolt) that you insert inside the mast (exactly as long as the mast inside dimension), passing the bolt inside the tube. This will prevent the mast from distorting. You should be able to get all the strength you need from just riviting the base attachnment to the mast.
D
Dan Ulrich
M
Mark Major
Mine attached at foot
I left the mast alone, instead making a new mast rear pivot pin about 6-1/2" long. I have temporarily attached a series of links to it while testing the practicality of the point, and am designing a removeable hound (bail) to later install. So far it works fine.
I left the mast alone, instead making a new mast rear pivot pin about 6-1/2" long. I have temporarily attached a series of links to it while testing the practicality of the point, and am designing a removeable hound (bail) to later install. So far it works fine.
G
Greg S2
Did it
The mast should have a scribe line on each side going from foot to mast cap. Measure up 6 inches from the deck and drill through on the scribe line. Be sure you have a "big enough" bail and bolt. The bolt should not be threaded on the part that's in the mast. Use a self locking nut on the bolt. Tighten the bolt till the bail just starts to bind but still swings up-down on the mast. Be careful to not deform the mast. Cut the excess bolt with a hack saw. File the end to remove burrs. That's the way a bail should be installed.
The mast should have a scribe line on each side going from foot to mast cap. Measure up 6 inches from the deck and drill through on the scribe line. Be sure you have a "big enough" bail and bolt. The bolt should not be threaded on the part that's in the mast. Use a self locking nut on the bolt. Tighten the bolt till the bail just starts to bind but still swings up-down on the mast. Be careful to not deform the mast. Cut the excess bolt with a hack saw. File the end to remove burrs. That's the way a bail should be installed.
vang bail
I want to thank everyone for their replies, Mike/ Dan , after the nationals I went over to ilyc and looked at all of the 23s I thought some were rivited and some bolted, I did have concerns about drilling all the way thru and causing the mast to collaspe, sp , anyhow thought someone said not to rivet, , but if Mikes and Dans are riveted, I guess thats good enough for me, again thanks for all of the replies, btw, the set up I had worked fine for 6 years until someone got me into those races, , but it was all worth it, see you on the water Mike
I want to thank everyone for their replies, Mike/ Dan , after the nationals I went over to ilyc and looked at all of the 23s I thought some were rivited and some bolted, I did have concerns about drilling all the way thru and causing the mast to collaspe, sp , anyhow thought someone said not to rivet, , but if Mikes and Dans are riveted, I guess thats good enough for me, again thanks for all of the replies, btw, the set up I had worked fine for 6 years until someone got me into those races, , but it was all worth it, see you on the water Mike
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