How to replace a gooseneck?

[Colvic Watson]

The mast and boom on our Heavenly Twins is nearly 20 years old and the gooseneck is showing signs of wear. I don't know if the photo shows this but the tang that attaches to the boom has worn the fitting on the mast. I really should replace the whole fitting but how do you find them? The mast and boom are Sailspar and they say they can't supply one as they haven't used that style for many years. Selden say no as well. Any other ideas? Isn't there a supplier of generic fittings that fit common mast profiles?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Simon

 

[sailorman]

can the tang be built up with weld & filed to the correct size

 

[VO5]

I think in circumstances like these it would be best to remove the tang, then make a drawing full size (plan view, side elevation, end elevation) and then have a new one machined out of a block.

As the width of the "ear" has been reduced by wear, it would probably be wise to leave extra material on top and on the underside of the new one.

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for the replies - sorry I've lead you astray, the tang is fine it's meant to be that size, it's the mast fitting that has been worn by the tang, if you look at the bottom edge of the tang it's that that has worn away the mast fitting. Does that make sense? I'm **** at explaining visual stuff.

remove it build-up as stated re-drill hole & fettle as req

 

[Colvic Watson]

Thanks for the replies - sorry I've lead you astray, the tang is fine it's meant to be that size, it's the mast fitting that has been worn by the tang, if you look at the bottom edge of the tang it's that that has worn away the mast fitting. Does that make sense? I'm **** at explaining visual stuff.

 

[zspars]

Thanks for the replies - sorry I've lead you astray, the tang is fine it's meant to be that size, it's the mast fitting that has been worn by the tang, if you look at the bottom edge of the tang it's that that has worn away the mast fitting. Does that make sense? I'm **** at explaining visual stuff.

Call Z Spars on 01473 822130 we will be able to quote to repair or replace, just send the part to us and I will see if we have anything similar

 

[Delivery Skipper]

is there enough metal to have it drilled & bushed with new pin if necessary.?at local machine shop.

JK

www.keenmarine.co.uk

 

[Spyro]

Take it off, turn it upside down and refit. Good for another 20 years.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Take it off, turn it upside down and refit. Good for another 20 years.

I feel stupid, ashamed and incompetent. And I owe you a beer.

 

[TiggerToo]

Simon,

I have a similar issue on Tigger's gooseneck. But in our case it is the boom fitting which has worn down. AllSpars in Plymouth were excellnet at discussing things and sourcing a replacement. I'd send them the image and then phone them up to discuss the matter with them.

http://www.allspars.co.uk/

Usual disclaimers apply: I am just a very happy customer.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Thanks

 

[aquaplane]

If it's just the mast fitting why not take it off, turn it over and rivet it back on?

My Z Spars gooseneck on the First was worn and I got bits from them OK. I had a look at their site but I bet the mast profiles are different. My Z Spar one had a couple of plastic (or PTFE) washers which may be worth fitting to make the metal bits last longer.

(That's what comes of talking to the Daughter on't phone, Spyro bet me to it.)

 

[Ruffles]

Also there should be a stainless steel washer or two between the alloy surfaces.

Do you tie the boom down when you leave the boat? Should stop it wearing out again.

 

[Colvic Watson]

If it's just the mast fitting why not take it off, turn it over and rivet it back on?

(That's what comes of talking to the Daughter on't phone, Spyro bet me to it.)

If it's any comfort, the fact that two people saw such an obvious solution makes me feel doubly stupid

 

[Fantasie 19]

Take it off, turn it upside down and refit. Good for another 20 years.

Genius!!!

Wish I was good at lateral thinking...

 

[vyv_cox]

My old-style Selden gooseneck, although not identical to yours, was in a rather similar condition. The vertical stainless pin had worn away the aluminium casting on both the mast and boom fittings, and the lower faces had worn badly similarly to yours. In my case the pin was 10 mm diameter, enabling me to drill out to 12 mm and add a simple bush made from domestic plastic water pipe, cut down slightly to fit. I filed out the horizontal faces and made a few washers from old plastic sheet. These two mods have tightened everything up nicely and lasted well last season, although replacements are cheap enough if they wear out!