Mast screws

[PabloPicasso]

I've been advised by surveyor to change this worn gooseneck fitting. I have a new replacement.

How likely is it that the bolts in the pic will fall down inside the mast when I remove the nuts.

I wonder how easy it will be to undo those nuts?

Mast is up, I'm hoping not to have to take it down for this. Any advice from those with experience of these things before I start?

 

[Plum]

I've been advised by surveyor to change this worn gooseneck fitting. I have a new replacement.

How likely is it that the bolts in the pic will fall down inside the mast when I remove the nuts.

I wonder how easy it will be to undo those nuts?

Mast is up, I'm hoping not to have to take it down for this. Any advice from those with experience of these things before I start?
View attachment 134999

I assume the heads of those screws are in the sail luff groove? The bigger problem will be drilling out those 8 rivets. Have you considered solving the wear problem with plastic bushes and keeping the existing fitting?

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[PabloPicasso]

Yes, I did. But the surveyor wasn't happy.

Done now, accept for one rivet that didn't pull properly.

As plum said, the screws were in the luff groove, so straight forward.

I drilled very carefully.

 

[Laysula]

Make sure when you fit it all back together that you have a decent nylon washer on top and bottom of the boom fitting to stop this happening again.