The 3/8ths Alum. retaining rod at the back of the SX Wings is attached to the lip of the deck and to the rear wing, using H14 gudgeons. Last Saturday, on launching down the ramp, I slipped on some goose 'grease' and the back of the starboard wing leg caught the edge of the dock. This had the effect of 'pushing' the wing forward. I fell on my keyster with no harm done, and the rivets which attach the gudgeon to the rear leg pulled out.
After inspection, we had a great sail, in SW winds 6 knots gusting 22, so yes, it was brisk.
Now I am back at my desk thinking about the repair. Drill out and re-rivet is one solution. Over-size the rivets? Should I consider installing a slightly longer rod and re-locating the rivet holes slightly higher on the rear leg? (I'll fill the old ones with a rivet and rivet cap and silicone)? Yes, I've checked the legs carefully, no cracks, no movement, so I consider myself lucky that the impact was minor.
_________________ 2015 H16, with spin, SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..." 'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'
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