Hi All,

Just going over the boat for the upcoming weekend and I noticed
a couple of small cracks in the deck (ply), inside at the front beam,both
fore and aft of the beam. They have appeared after a couple of recent outings
in heavy conditions. (blurry photo atached.)




Cause?

Cure?

When investigating, I checked the beam bolts and whilst tight, they were not as tight
as I would have thought. Can they be too tight?

Any input welcome!

Cheers

Hi Simon

It may be just the paint cracking a bit, if its on both sides of the beam, and is on the rear beam, theres a fair bit of twist occuring at the rear beam, but I guess theres movement at all beam mountings, especially a mossie with its smaller beams.

Beam bolts - I think firm, but not over tight as you will damage the bolts and make them hard to remove when you want/need to. Without really knowing the right answer, I would say if you've had the beam bolts undone at any stage, do them up firmly and after been for a sail I would check them again. Not sure how often they need checking after that, as much as you like I guess.

Sorry just re-read your post, being the main beam, but I still think it applies anyway.


Regards

I tighten my beam bolts a couple of times a year, as tight as I can get them with a 7 inch long spanner.
Darryn
Mozzy
1782

Simon,

Do the bolts up tight. There can be allot of damage to the supporting structure and/or hull movement if they are loose. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Maintaining a good compressive load on the joints will prolong hull life and maintain correct toe out. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Just don't do them up so hard that you can't get them off.

Regards,

Peter

Thank you Matt, Darryn and Peter.

Using Darryn's measure, I got a good turn on them with the 7 incher so I guess I got my answer.

Cheers and thanks again.