rivets

[LarryE-old]

Noticed today that the goosenect on the mast is loose. 6 rivets, look like 3/6 SS. Anyone replace the rivets? Would like to get the correct size, before drilling one out.

[dave]

My opinion from doing many goosenecks on many boats is that the rivets need to be 1/4" SS for a boom this long, even if the current size is 3/16". That's a pain for some because of coming up with the right gun, but well worth it in the long haul. Vang loads and a long lever REALLY put the "one two wazoo" on that piece of equipment!!!!

[LarryE-old]

The problem I have , after ordering 1/4, is finding a tool locally, to install them. I finally found, after 2 days, someone that had a hydrolic gun. Got one in before the seal blew out on the gun.
Am ordering 3/16 today. The ones in the boat lasted 28 years, I'm sure the new ones will last longer than I will be sailing. I have several large tools that will do 3/16 SS easily.
$130. to buy a gun for 5 rivets, is a bit steep.

[Mark Rode]

I agree going to 1/4" (maybe overkill but....). Order the rivets from Jamestown or Fastenal if not available locally. "Big Daddy" rivet gun is 25-30 bucks on E-bay. Great tool. I rented one the first time from the local tool rental place for 10 bucks then bought one.

[cdiehl7]

I have replaced the rivets in the spreader brackets with 1/4" stainless. I ended up having to buy a bag of 100 for 36 bucks and found a hydraulic/air compressor rivet gun from Harbor Freight that actually worked really well for 60 bucks. The little extra is worth the piece of mind.

[LarryE-old]

I was able to pick up at new, in the box, Matco heavy duty riveter tool for cost.
Installed the 1/4 SS rivets today, piece of cake. Most likely will never get to use the tool again but will make it avaliable to anyone in the YC.

[dave]

I have replaced the rivets in the spreader brackets with 1/4" stainless. I ended up having to buy a bag of 100 for 36 bucks and found a hydraulic/air compressor rivet gun from Harbor Freight that actually worked really well for 60 bucks. The little extra is worth the piece of mind.

Ditto; that's exactly what I did and do!

Just like the buff/polish/wax every season or do or have done a great paint job, I like to do things once, do them right, and be done with that job at least for a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooog time!!!! To each there own; some people actually enjoy working on their boats or those of others. I prefer to do other things, and when it comes to anything involved with a sailboat, sailing the boat and being able to put it through anything and everything without thinking to myself "I wish that I'd done this of that different or made this or that stronger" never crosses my mind..............................