Plastimo dinghy davits - crack in metal

[dunedin]

Removing the davits or the winter, I noticed there was a crack at the bottom of one of the stainless steel tubes. This does not affect the weight carrying ability when upright, but may allow the davit to twist when heeled.
These hidden ends were never well finished when new from Plastimo.

Do you think a stainless steel welder could reinforce this inside the tube (can't be outside as tube is of necessity a tight fit in the tubular sockets)?

And if so any suggestions for a s/s welder in South of Scotland who might take on such a small job?

Thanks

 

[Rum Run]

I think that would TIG weld nicely and be fine without reinforcement. Inspection annually thereafter.
No idea about a suitable person in your area though, sorry, but any metal fabrication or sheet metal firm could well have the kit and enough skill for that small job.
Reinforcing it would require some tube of the right diameter which will be a bigger ask, or solid bar and a lathe plus milling machine for the grooves so a much bigger job entirely.

 

[Plum]

Removing the davits or the winter, I noticed there was a crack at the bottom of one of the stainless steel tubes. This does not affect the weight carrying ability when upright, but may allow the davit to twist when heeled.
These hidden ends were never well finished when new from Plastimo.

Do you think a stainless steel welder could reinforce this inside the tube (can't be outside as tube is of necessity a tight fit in the tubular sockets)?

And if so any suggestions for a s/s welder in South of Scotland who might take on such a small job?

Thanks
View attachment 125775View attachment 125776

Is just one of those slots used to locate the davit in the deck socket to stop it rotating? If so, could you rotate the socket 90 degrees so another slot is used?

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[dunedin]

Is just one of those slots used to locate the davit in the deck socket to stop it rotating? If so, could you rotate the socket 90 degrees so another slot is used?

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

That a good lateral thought. They allow the davits to be folded in when not in use, but clearly no strain when not in use so rotating would be an alternative solution.

Looking at the fixings they look to be symmetrical with 4 screws at 90 degrees, so should be possibly in theory. But suspect they may be epoxied in to the hole in the deck, which needed to be strengthened underneath. If so might be a major pain to free them.

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I'd be tempted to cut the ends off, drill and cut a new slot and think about it for a few more years.

 

[DownWest]

That a good lateral thought. They allow the davits to be folded in when not in use, but clearly no strain when not in use so rotating would be an alternative solution.

Looking at the fixings they look to be symmetrical with 4 screws at 90 degrees, so should be possibly in theory. But suspect they may be epoxied in to the hole in the deck, which needed to be strengthened underneath. If so might be a major pain to free them.

A bit of heat would soften the epoxy enough to turn it. It gets soft at relatively low temps, a bit over 100°C, then have ready a two pin 'key' to turn it.

 

[Hunterlees]

Do a search for car stainless steel exhaust fabricators. They are usually well versed in TIG and should be able to repair

 

[dunedin]

Do a search for car stainless steel exhaust fabricators. They are usually well versed in TIG and should be able to repair

That’s a brilliant lateral thought that hadn’t ocurred to me, thanks. Yes the pipes do remind me of my old MGB stainless exhaust system

 

[Moodysailor]

Cut, sleeve, weld, or just weld. Easy job for a fabricator.

 

[Ink]

Donald Cameron
Argyle Metal Services - Dumbarton G82 2RP (Dunbartonshire), 32 Lime Ro
Ink

 

[dunedin]

Donald Cameron
Argyle Metal Services - Dumbarton G82 2RP (Dunbartonshire), 32 Lime Ro
Ink

Thanks, good suggestion.

Also been recommended The Forge in Largs - who do boat s/s stuff. Spoken to them and, as that is on our route, going to drop them off there to have a look at.
Will keep you posted, thanks

 

[thinwater]

Reinforce. The weld will not be stronger than new and it broke once. Weld first and grind out. Then sleeve inside and weld the sleeve in place (will not require full perimeter welds--won't be able to TIG the inside since the torch won't fit, but 1/16 316 rod and SWAG will work fine with low amps).

 

[HissyFit]

Whatever you do to fix the first failure, take a fine file and fine emery cloth to the other slots to reduce the potential stress raiser roughness.

 

[Ink]

Whatever you do to fix the first failure, take a fine file and fine emery cloth to the other slots to reduce the potential stress raiser roughness.

Agree. It would be worthwhile taking a file and putting a radius on the inside corners.

Ink

 

[thinwater]

I'd be tempted to cut the ends off, drill and cut a new slot and think about it for a few more years.

Actually... this^^.

 

[dunedin]

An update - the crack in the end of the davit leg was repaired successfully by The Forge at Largs.

Apparently they do a lot of boat work in stainless steel, and fixed it quickly - even dropped it back off at the boat and checked the fit in the socket. Great service and at a decent price.

Would recommend if anybody else in the area needs boat stainless steel work done