Gooseneck loose?

I have a second/backup boom used on my storm main and the gooseneck is sliding out of the boom. Not all the way, it does stop, but it slides out ~2". Check this out:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak- ... 3162_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak- ... 2463_n.jpg

Should it be replaced?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Depending on the year of the boom it could be missing either an e-clip or a roll-pin. I would just drill out the front end cap rivets and see whats going on. If this is going to be a heavy weather set-up you definately want it right.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Thanks, makes sense of course. SS or would aluminum rivets be OK?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I would think aluminum rivets would be ok in the endcap.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Thanks buddy, as always you're a fountain of very useful information.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Don't do anything! The boom is held tight by the outhaul.

If you have already drilled this out, you must use stainless. There is a great deal of load on the boom, especially at the gooseneck end.

I agree with Hammond that there is a load (a force) on the boom. Actually there are multiple components of loading. Some of the forces on the boom are:
- The distributed upward force of the main sail when air (wind) is filling it
- The downward force on the gooseneck/endcap by the cunningham/downhaul
- The (forward) compressive force of the outhaul
- The downward and (forward) compressive force components of the mainsheet system
- The equal and opposite force from the mast pushing aft against the (forward) compressive forces mentioned above.

As far as I can tell there are no significant forces (loads) in tension (pulling apart) along the x-axis (lengthwise) of the boom. Because the endcaps are inserted into the boom extrusion and have a cast-in rim lip, the only way for them to fail under foreseeable conditons is a tension failure (i.e. pulling out of the boom). Since I don't know of any (significant) forces acting to pull the boom apart, I will stick to my opinion that if aluminum rivets are handy and jman uses them he will be okay.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

So Sebring, you recommend removing the gooseneck fitting for inspection, as Hammond recommends, or not?

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

Jman, I really don't see it ever coming out of the boom while you are underway and if you are going to leave the sail attached to the gooseneck/boom in storage it's not going to fall out that way either so probably just leave it alone unless it bothers you. It would bother me and I'd have to look into it, but that's just me.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Yeah I kind of figured that. I also like doing things right the first time. I'm drilling that baby as soon as I can get some SS rivets.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

The old goosenecks were loose like this. The cotter pin was not tight to make assembly easier. If you want to take it apart to see this, it's your time. I would just go sailing.

It's easy enough to R and R the end cap if you want to, but it's probably fine like it is...But...and I'm going to say this for the last time on these forums (lie).

There is absolutely NO place on a H16 where you would ever, ever, ever use an alu rivet. Use of aluminum rivets increase the chances of you getting hurt of maimed or worse.

OK, there is maybe one place for an alu rivet on a 16. (Newer than '95 only).

When you drill out the 3/16" rivets on the the cap you may need to gently heat the extrusion to break the corrosion between the parts. Try to avoid whacking it with a hammer. Heat is a much more humane way to break apart two corroded parts. I always throw a little Lanocote on the parts before putting them back together.

This might help.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Af7Q58FRk[/youtube]

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Sail Revolution
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Very interesting Jeremy, thanks!

So, no alum rivets ever, interesting. I thought they were advised in some cases so that there weren't dissimilar metals in the electrolyte. I used alum to attach the upgraded jib components at the front crossbar. Should I replace them?

Also, I'm finding it difficult to source SS rivets locally, anybody have a source?

Thank you as well Hammond! Ok, maybe I'll just leave it now???? Sheesh......

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

West Marine, but make sure you take your kids for collateral !!!

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Happy Sailing,

David

ain't that the truth....

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'