Problem with shroud attachment

[Jim Fulton]

Thanks for the ideas. Here's what I finally did: There is a similar fitting on the other side of the mast. I removed the corresponding screw from that fitting, and ran a 5/16" bolt through the mast connecting the two. Easy, quick, cheap, and it probably strengthens both sides. It was an alternative that was obvious after someone else suggested it.

Jim Fulton

[Matthew Sebring]

The only real concern with a bolt passing through the mast is that you don't overtighten it. Time after time after time we've seen bolts that have been tightened to the point that they are pinching in the mast. Also, if you have internal halyards you want to make sure that they aren't abraiding on that new bolt.

[Jim Fulton]

All of the shrouds--lowers as well as uppers--are anchored by through-bolts. I replaced all of them as I was rebedding and refastening the mast hardware. There are no internal tubes or other reinforcements in the mast to prevent over-tightening, and I was struck by the potential for damage. I used lock nuts, and tightened them only to the point where the associated fitting is secure and the bolt and nut assembly does not rotate easily. All my halyards are external and all wiring is in a conduit, so there is internal interference.

Jim Fulton

[Matthew Sebring]

Sounds like your probably ok. With the through bolts the tangs hang on I sometimes use locknuts but generally either stake the nut or most often drill the nut and pin it in place with a small cotter pin. This is to ensure that there is really only one position where things line up correctly and so hopefully later down the road well meaning people with wrenches don't just tighten it like crazy. Of course I also make sure that the threads themselves aren't bearing on the extrusion - just solid shank.