H 16 Bow tang tension

OK silly question that has been nagging for a while - how tight should the bow tangs be. Mine are really loose since the nut will not tighten up as it meets the fibreglass under the bows. Is this correct? Just one of those niggly noobie questions I guess. As always your advice is much appreciated

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1985 Prindle 16

There really shouldn't be much play in them - you should be able to rotate the tang by hand, but not wiggle it.

Try using a crescent wrench at an angle to hold the nut while you turn the machine screw with a big screwdriver.

Thanks - I will try that - it did seem odd that they are so very loose and wonder if it impacts hull tension in the chop especially

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1985 Prindle 16

Maybe replace the screw and nut with a new stainless steel hex head bolt and locking nut,something you can put a wrench on instead of a screw driver?Do not over tighten...and use some anti-seize on the threads to prevent galling... Bill 404 21 SE

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Bill 404 21SE

Have tightened with crescent/s driver combo. Does anyone know of a known effect/issue when sailing with those tangs totally loose as they used to be?

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1985 Prindle 16

I would think slop in the fitting would just fatigue the tang prematurely. I've seen a few demastings from the bow tang failing, not fun. Try adding a bushing if there's still slop down there after tightening it all up. Good luck!

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Blair T

I love these calm moments before the storm, it reminds me of Beethoven...


'02 Hobie Tiger USA 1152

If you do it long enough, the hole will get wallowed out and there's the potential for gelcoat cracking/spalling at the edge on top. Mostly cosmetic. I've only seen a couple actually pull out in 35+ years.

Yes. The slop will wallow out the fiberglass. I grab the nut with a pair of small vicegrips. You can crank them down pretty tight.

edit: woops. didn't see MBs response.

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