Messages

I was lucky about being able to remove the screws attaching boom and mast hardware - most came out with a little application of heat & use of an impact driver.  The only real exception was the mast heel fitting - I had to drill out two of the four attaching screws.  Removing the mast heel out of the mast required the use of a slide hammer (my other choice was a hack saw!).  
I am replacing the mast heel with a 2 piece hinge setup - so I have been busy fab'ing up a mast step.   Will try to post some pics of this setup later on.

Glad I checked this out...(hope these photos make it)
Take a look at this boom end fitting for the mainsheet - the bolt is getting a might on the thin side.  I don't think the fitting is really meant to have the figure eight shape either.  What is a little unusual is that the stainless bolt has taken as much punisment as that cast AL fitting - I would think the bolts threads would just saw away at AL.
Some more egging out - this is the rear port chainplate knee - appearently the chainplate bolt's threads egged out the plywood in the knee until the first bolt met the underside of the deck.  Probably not a failure waiting to happen as the boom end fitting but would not make a happy boat.
A personal peeve is not matching a bolts shoulder - the smooth part - to its use - if threads contact either plywood or metal it will result in a sawing action and egging of the hole.

Eric - drop me a line if you would like to take over my trailer in a month or two.  Its a rust bucket and not CA registered but has been holding #400 up for many a year.  
Doug

Working on the mast for Ariel #400....and looking for some advise
Removing the through bolts for both the spreaders and uppers - I found that there are no compression posts for these bolts to prevent the mast from being distorted or crushed.   Is this the normal state of things?  
I am also busy trying to remove the mast base to adapt a mast hinge - has anyone used a slide hammer to whale away at the base?

For those of us on a strangled budget Harbor Freight (//www.harborfreight.com) has lots of somewhat questionable quality / foreign tools at a very good price.  The 4 inch angle grinder has lasted me some 6 years including a plumbing remodel.  Things like 3/4 inch socket sets that would be hundreds elsewhere are pretty affordable.
Cordless tools are what come in handy for myself - sanders, drill or small cir saw.