U-Bolt deck fittings and reinforcement - Contessa 32

The replies about the cap shroud anchorages are valid. We took the s/s bars to a local metal workshop and had them milled flat on one side, so the nuts would sit flush against the bar, the cost was £18 I think (2 winters ago). The anchor plates for the forward and aft lower look standard and the same as on our contessa. We haven't had any problems with them at all over 25 years of ownership, but I do look carefully at them them each winter. They can be prone to leaks but rebedding has solved that. The real issues to look for are cracked nuts to all the shroud anchorages and hairline cracks in the U bolts. Having said that we've found no problems with either the nuts or the bolts and we do set our rig up fairly tight and sail the boat quite hard. We have added extra washers and replaced all the nuts, just for the sake of it though.

By the way, in case you're not a member, you will find a wealth of info on the Contessa Association forum. All manor of tips, dos and don'ts are discussed there, along with guides on how to take just about everything apart, and, more importantly....how to put it back together again.
 
CLP said:
The replies about the cap shroud anchorages are valid. We took the s/s bars to a local metal workshop and had them milled flat on one side, so the nuts would sit flush against the bar, the cost was £18 I think (2 winters ago). The anchor plates for the forward and aft lower look standard and the same as on our contessa. We haven't had any problems with them at all over 25 years of ownership, but I do look carefully at them them each winter. They can be prone to leaks but rebedding has solved that. The real issues to look for are cracked nuts to all the shroud anchorages and hairline cracks in the U bolts. Having said that we've found no problems with either the nuts or the bolts and we do set our rig up fairly tight and sail the boat quite hard. We have added extra washers and replaced all the nuts, just for the sake of it though.

By the way, in case you're not a member, you will find a wealth of info on the Contessa Association forum. All manor of tips, dos and don'ts are discussed there, along with guides on how to take just about everything apart, and, more importantly....how to put it back together again.
Click to expand...
I had almost every association member look @ mine when she was for sale ( well it seemed like it ). they were all on a grand tour of every boat for sale
 
CLP said:
The replies about the cap shroud anchorages are valid. We took the s/s bars to a local metal workshop and had them milled flat on one side, so the nuts would sit flush against the bar, the cost was £18 I think (2 winters ago). The anchor plates for the forward and aft lower look standard and the same as on our contessa. We haven't had any problems with them at all over 25 years of ownership, but I do look carefully at them them each winter. They can be prone to leaks but rebedding has solved that. The real issues to look for are cracked nuts to all the shroud anchorages and hairline cracks in the U bolts. Having said that we've found no problems with either the nuts or the bolts and we do set our rig up fairly tight and sail the boat quite hard. We have added extra washers and replaced all the nuts, just for the sake of it though.

By the way, in case you're not a member, you will find a wealth of info on the Contessa Association forum. All manor of tips, dos and don'ts are discussed there, along with guides on how to take just about everything apart, and, more importantly....how to put it back together again.
Click to expand...

Thanks CLP - me doth think that the Association is a must do!
 
martinteeluck said:
Hi Vyv - I've read that they are prone to fatigue and Jeremy Rogers mention them as something to watch for when buying new. I'm no expert but the loadings on and below deck don't appear to have stressed the GRP - just thought this might be a job worth doing whilst the mast is out - have you done anything like this before? DIY job?

Thanks for the response,
Martin
Click to expand...
On my last boat , a Jaguar 27 I renewed ALL the U bolts as I sheared one of them trying to tighten the nuts & on inspection ALL the U bolts had corroded where they went through the deck. I replaced them all with Wichard U bolts. A dismasting waiting to happen.
 
U-Bolts beware...

Very interesting thread. Not a lot of time to write at the moment, but I thought I'd post a photo of a U-bolt on my Contest 33. The boat is built like the proverbial brick sh*te house, but the chainplate's leave a lot to be desired. The U-bolt in the photo failed because of crevice corrosion.

Looking at the photo's of your chainplates/U-bolts on the Contessa 32 I'm actually quite jealous. The U-bolts on the Contest 33 are just taken through the deck and backed up by a tiny plate not much wider than the nuts.... then nicely glassed over to hide from prying eyes... :rolleyes:

attachment.php
 
Last edited:
I'd second (or third) the advice to remove all the U-bolts and check very carefully for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. It's an easy job to remove, inspect and rebed. One of mine was split inside the deck and not visible from above or below.
If you decide to replace any, make sure you don't go too big, the rigging screw toggle may not fit over.
 
saxonpirate said:
Very interesting thread. Not a lot of time to write at the moment, but I thought I'd post a photo of a U-bolt on my Contest 33. The boat is built like the proverbial brick sh*te house, but the chainplate's leave a lot to be desired. The U-bolt in the photo failed because of crevice corrosion.

Looking at the photo's of your chainplates/U-bolts on the Contessa 32 I'm actually quite jealous. The U-bolts on the Contest 33 are just taken through the deck and backed up by a tiny plate not much wider than the nuts.... then nicely glassed over to hide from prying eyes... :rolleyes:

attachment.php
Click to expand...


Hi SP,

That's a scary picture man!?! We'll be checking our very carefully...

Thanks for posting,
Martin
 
saxonpirate said:
Very interesting thread. Not a lot of time to write at the moment, but I thought I'd post a photo of a U-bolt on my Contest 33. The boat is built like the proverbial brick sh*te house, but the chainplate's leave a lot to be desired. The U-bolt in the photo failed because of crevice corrosion.

Looking at the photo's of your chainplates/U-bolts on the Contessa 32 I'm actually quite jealous. The U-bolts on the Contest 33 are just taken through the deck and backed up by a tiny plate not much wider than the nuts.... then nicely glassed over to hide from prying eyes... :rolleyes:

attachment.php
Click to expand...


Hi SP,

That's a scary picture man!?! We'll be checking our very carefully...

Thanks for posting,
Martin
 
alahol2 said:
I'd second (or third) the advice to remove all the U-bolts and check very carefully for crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. It's an easy job to remove, inspect and rebed. One of mine was split inside the deck and not visible from above or below.
If you decide to replace any, make sure you don't go too big, the rigging screw toggle may not fit over.
Click to expand...

Hi and thanks for your comments - always good to hear that this is a job we can do ourselves.....good to build our experience and confidence up.
Martin
 
20130218_163901.jpg
Martin,
Note the countersunk holes, apparently this is the best solution under the fitting for the bedding compound of your choice..good luck.
M.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top