Lost boom goose neck pin while sailing.

[capt_nemo]

Yes, I lost the boom goose neck pin while sailing today. The main was at full hoist in brisk winds when I heard a "snap" and what sounded like metal hitting the deck. Looked up visually checking the rigging and saw nothing wrong. A few minutes later while trimming in for a close reach I noticed, much to my chagrin, that the forward end of the boom was loose and slightly forward of the mast. "This is not good" I told myself as I immediately took pressure off the main and proceeded to lower it to the deck. Grabbed a few pieces of spare hardware and jury rigged the attachment of boom to gooseneck. Hoisted the main and continued to sail for a short while when I heard another sharp sound from aloft but saw nothing wrong. Decided to cut the sail short and return to the ramp while I was still ahead and thoroughly check out the entire rig.

While walking around the retrieved boat, lo and behold, there was the goose neck pin resting on the foredeck! Apparently the pin had "worked" quite hard under loads, going through the 4 overlapping holes in stainless steel plate that serves to join boom to goose neck, because the split ring retaining it in position had sheared off allowing the pin to work itself out of all 4 holes.

MORAL OF THE STORY (and note to self): Periodically check ALL fittings, especially those subject to movement under load, for good freedom of movement and secure attachment.

Hope this helps avoid a similar mishap on your boat.

capt_nemo

[rogerschwake]

  I had problems with my goose neck but not with the pins. The U shaped parts of the goose neck that make up the hinge on both the boom and gaff were bending. After straiting out these parts I cut some aluminum tubing for spacers to put in the U peaces and replaced the pins with bolts with nylock nuts. This took any sloop out of the joint and seems to solve the problem with bending so fare this year. The bolts are working great for me, it may be something you would want to try.

ROGER

[Schumway]

My gooseneck also had problems! Bolt attaching gooseneck to boom pulled out of casting. I was lowering sail and boom dropped overboard!  Went below popped a Viagra and lashed the boom to mast .  The next weekend I tapped casting threads one size bigger ( I think 5/16 ) and all is well.  I have a good photo. Don't know how to attach?
Fred

[Dogboy]

Schumway, that happened to me also.  I contacted the company and they told me it is not a casting, but a bolt.  I drilled out the rivets, pulled off the boom cap, then slid the boom down and into my hand popped the nyloc bolt that had worked its way loose.  I purchased a new nut and applied it with red locktite, then riveted the boom-end back on and its been good since then.  I was afraid for a little while that I'd have to break out my tap set, but it remains safely in the drawer unused.