Dodger Fasteners

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TortolaTim

This is the area just aft of the traveler where the base of the rarely used dodger attaches. The twist-lock fasteners are loose, and I just noticed that one of the mounting rivets is broken. My question is..what is underneath this seemingly "hollow" elevated space? Is it exposed to the deck core? I'm wondering how quickly I need to address these loose fasteners and how to seal and secure them better. It was installed years ago by a PO and I don't know if those rivets are really the correct way to attach those things. Thanks!
Tim Callico
1989 C34 #957
M25XP
St Johns, FL

waughoo

It is likely open to the core if not directly, it will be through the pocketa and voids in the laminate/layup.  I would recommend taking care of it before winter.
Alex - Seattle, WA
91 mk1.5 #1120
Std rig w/wing keel
Universal M35
Belafonte

scgunner

Tim,

Those turnbuckles are traditionally installed with screws. Pop rivets are designed for sheet metal applications the rivet expands behind the metal to hold the item in place. In fiberglass the rivet only stays in place by expanding and creating a friction hold so it can work itself out under any stress or vibration. The proper way to do it would be with a backing plate which is not an option here. If it was me I'd fill the hole with epoxy and screw the screw in while it's still wet. Also I wouldn't worry about the other pop rivets until they became a problem.
Kevin Quistberg                                                 Top Gun 1987 Mk 1 Hull #273

Phil Spicer

 Tim, my 88 has some kind of foam in that area, not a void area.  Not soft like a foam coffee cup. Very tight cell, what ever was used, not plywood. I pulled the screw in snaps to put Bed-it tape in the holes to keep out water.
 You may want to drill out the rivets and do as Kevin suggested, fill with thickened epoxy. Thickened so it doesn't run out before settling. I don't remember if the core is soft enough to run a screw in without drilling first. If you can, hog out the core without a larger hole in the fiberglass so you get a good base that will hold well.
 Another idea good luck
      Phil
 
Phil & Marsha,Sandusky Sailing Club. Steamboat is #789,tall/wing-Unv M25XP/Hurth ZF 50 trans.

TortolaTim

Thanks, all. Good info!
Tim Callico
1989 C34 #957
M25XP
St Johns, FL

Ron Hill

Tim : As mentioned - Drill out the pop rivets, fill the holes with epoxy, and use screws with caulk!!

A thought
Ron, Apache #788