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So I have replaced the bolt for my boom vang twice now...which is everytime I have taken it out since I've installed it. I don't think I have it hauled down too tight...I'm just thinking its the forces of the wind acting on the sail, which bends the bolt. Has anyone had this issue? I think it was a grade 5 bolt that came with the kit...so before I head out, I'll grab a couple grade 8's and see if that helps. Just wondering if i'm doing something wrong here? Its bent to the point where I have to pound it out of the mast with a hammer just to get it out.

*Dustin*

Picture????

I'm not with the boat currently, Will be in a few days though...But I'll snap one of it if It happens again. I think I tossed the bent one in the scrap metal. I did go to Lowes tonight and buy 4 Grade 8 bolts for it in case it happens again.
Just wondering if it has ever happened to anyone else, and what you did to fix it.

I just use a swivel snap shackle for quick attach / removal at the mast bail. No tools or pounding required.

That looks like a good solution, thanks. Its hard to get all the ring dings on and off after a while that I need for the whole boat during rig up or rig down, so this would be a quick and easy solution.

Yeah, I was using the flat D-ring shackles but they get bent up immediately. Swivel snap shackle looks like the way to go.

Do you have a Bail connecting your boom Vang to Mast? (Bail is a u shape stainless connetion to the boom with a tru bolt) the bail allows you to swivel the shackel at any degree therfor no wear and tear.
Dave

Knot Tied Down wrote:So I have replaced the bolt for my boom vang twice now...which is everytime I have taken it out since I've installed it. I don't think I have it hauled down too tight...I'm just thinking its the forces of the wind acting on the sail, which bends the bolt. Has anyone had this issue? I think it was a grade 5 bolt that came with the kit...so before I head out, I'll grab a couple grade 8's and see if that helps. Just wondering if i'm doing something wrong here? Its bent to the point where I have to pound it out of the mast with a hammer just to get it out.

*Dustin*

Dave, i do have a boom bail at the bottom of the mast, but the bolt looks like it could be too long which is maybe why the bolt gets bent in a u shape?

The bolt length won't affect the load on the bolt.

If the bail isn't a U shape it could load the bolt with bending force instead of a shear force.

Picture would be helpful to diagnose....

I will be heading to Michigan tomorrow night and will be back with the boat so ill snap a photo if i still have the bolt. The bail is a u shape, and seems to fit the mast just fine