Thru bolting on crossbar

can I thru bolt through the crossbar to secure the inboard section of an old style jib traveler track? It keeps failing at the inboard location. I've used the largest machine screws and rivets that I could, but the track keeps coming loose under tension. I'm out of ideas. Any reason to not do this?

_________________
James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

There are many used forward cross bars available, maybe that a better path? Look for a newer used one with built in slot.

_________________
Bill 404 21SE

My boat is glued, so I'd rather not have to replace a whole crossbar. Plus if I got the newer one that would also force me to have to buy new jib cars too. I don't think a thru bolt would cause any loss in structural integrity, but I thought I'd check here first. I've got a spare crossbar that I can take tracks off of to replace the one that is now fubar.

_________________
James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Hi, I liked your advice about replacing the crossbar - And I think I can find one near me in Australia, but are there instructions anywhere on how to replace the crossbar?
Thanks

What is coming loose? Is it because the holes have become oversized? Can you just use one of the adjacent track holes and add a new fastener 1/2" away from the one that keeps working loose?

I'm sure thru-bolting will be strong enough, but it's going to look a little weird having this bolt going through your crossbar.

sm

Yeah, the holes have become too large. I've tried to add a couple of new rivet locations and use a large machine screw to hold on the inboard cap that is inserted into the track, but they didn't hold up in higher winds. Naturally it failed during a start sequence the last time. I've always had the plastic cars from Murray on the boat, but I'm thinking that their shape puts a lot of stress on the track due to the leverage effect of the cleat.

_________________
James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909