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| Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=61065 |
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| Author: | JustFin [ Sat Jul 15, 2017 3:35 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
While sailing my older second-hand Bravo with about a third sail in strong and gusty winds, the front post on the a-frame suddenly pulled out of the hull. The entire sail picked up off the mast ball and leaned hard to one side. Luckily, there were two of us so I could hold the mast down near its original location as we limped a mile back to land. The front post has a about a half inch threaded rod at the bottom and now freely goes in and out of the hole in the hull. Is there a reliable fix for this? Pics: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MhxwHXGUKN9knDSP2 https://photos.app.goo.gl/CBClcQYYQxZJ6vF42 |
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| Author: | mmiller [ Mon Jul 17, 2017 1:37 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
We have a bracket that would work. Contact your dealer. 90710031. Bracket Bravo Vertical Support |
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| Author: | RobDek [ Tue Jul 18, 2017 5:26 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
Wow...that's a cheap fix!!! You got off lucky there. I've owned two Bravos, can't say I'm a fan of the frame system to support the mast. |
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| Author: | JustFin [ Tue Jul 18, 2017 12:07 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
Thanks for the post. I do indeed feel lucky!  I just ordered the ~$8 bracket from my dealer. After I get it and install it, I'll post how it goes on and works so others who have it happen can learn from it. My Bravo, named "Braveheart" has been such a beast. I've sailed it in all conditions and have performed two high-wind open-water rescues up to a mile out in the past month. I hope this fix works so she can get back to work!
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| Author: | JustFin [ Fri Aug 18, 2017 7:12 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
I now have the part on hand and it is simple a bracket and a stop nut. No instructions, no pin to go through the bracket. I found a stainless bolt that should work. If I put the front post through the bracket and then put the stop nut on the end of the front post, it seems the bracket and the bottom of the front post will be one nut-height higher than before. I'm not sure that will be as stable as before. It appears I have to drill 5/16" holes on either side of the bracket. The lower those holes the better, right? If so, do I drill out the existing stripped out nut that is embedded in the hull to make room for the new nut? Or just don't worry about the extra height? Also do I use threadlocker (red) on the post nut? Here is a picture of the assembly before tightening the nut: https://goo.gl/photos/MtUtdQAKhGfGwBfW8 |
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| Author: | mmiller [ Fri Aug 18, 2017 8:43 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
There used to be a complete repair kit years ago... this is just the major component that is left over stock. Drill out the brass to make room for the nut. Drill from one side of the bracket clear through and use a single long bolt and not to secure. |
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| Author: | JustFin [ Sat Aug 19, 2017 9:23 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
Made the repair. To get the nut to fit inside the hole in the hull, I drilled the existing brass nut with a 5/16" bit, then a 1/2" bit. That bit also took a little plastic with it. When drilling through the sides with a 5/16" bit, I held the bracket down and used it as a guide. Once it got about a half inch in, it hit brass, which I assume was part of the old nut. I did the same from the other side, then pushed through the brass to make it all the way through. I slid my 3" 5/16"-18 stainless bolt through and installed the stop nut and the final result looks pretty secure. The metal bracket is barely above the hull. Here are some pics of the install: Drilled out brass nut in hull: https://goo.gl/photos/UX5R5UJvMTz9fA48A Bracket securely attached to the front post: https://goo.gl/photos/qwL53XdMTYX8jFxg6 Final result close-up: https://goo.gl/photos/Sf8DKt8eqt6FLGF76 Final result further away: https://goo.gl/photos/aVpJaREsDr1HskK56 I hope all this will help someone else who has this problem. I'll report back after testing it. After it is all done, I was wondering if the pullout was caused by the ramp I use to put the boat in the water. I built a wooden ramp and slide the boat (with the mast on) up and down the ramp. The ramp is probably 20-30 degrees. Thoughts? Also, I was wondering if I should seal around the bracket to prevent water entry around the new nut and hole it sits in. |
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| Author: | mmiller [ Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:27 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Bravo a-frame front post complete pullout |
Great repair work. I doubt the ramp has anything to do with it. I would seal for good measure... or force some air into the drain plug and see if it comes out at the bolt location (soapy water). |
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