Posted by cbhma (cbh@…>)
I’ve had trouble over time with the track on the aft portion of the mast coming
slightly
separated from the mast. I’ve used different size rivets and found that longer
is better. Does
anyone have a good suggestion as the the “proper” length of the rivets? I now
have a few
more to replace.
Posted by Charlie L. (clivaday@…>)
I prefer to use “tap” rivets, instead of pop rivets. They give a snug,
strong fit, and are easier to install.
— In freedom21@yahoogroups.com, “cbhma” <cbh@…> wrote:
I’ve had trouble over time with the track on the aft portion of the
mast coming slightly
separated from the mast. I’ve used different size rivets and found
that longer is better. Does
anyone have a good suggestion as the the “proper” length of the
rivets? I now have a few
more to replace.
Posted by Medium Al (hjulbyhavn@…>)
I think the main issue is rivet lenght. The factory rivets worked
themselves loose on mine with time. They did not go all the way in and
expand on the inside of the mast, the result was that the holes got
larger in the process and that they eventually came out.
There really is no particular strenght in the mast when a rivet is
expanding within the hole - its just plain fiberglass. The only chance
for the rivet to benefit from the strenght of the laminate is if it is
flared out behind the mast wall on the inside.
I am contemplating making a collar for my mast - that would also allow
me to use a damping material under the collar in order to reduce the
stress further.
Make sure to have a stop-knot in the mainsheet, so the bolts on the
gooseneck cannot touch the mast. If they do they will have enough
leverage to pull the gooseneck out immediately.
Posted by Medium Al (hjulbyhavn@…>)
The collar will be for the boom gooseneck.
The sail track is not critical - just make sure to gauge the mast wall
thickness as you work your way to the top, the mast is much thinner at
the top - almost 1/2.
While you are on this project consider adding an extra sailslide at the
top. When sailing in extreme gusty condition the sail can “peel off”
starting at the top, particularly when it is reefed. I did it twice
sailing in the fall with the wind gusting 10-25 or something like that.