Today we replaced 8 bolts at the base of our jib stay (the stay on which the jib is set). It took us 5 hours to complete the job! Yes, that's right 8 bolts in 5 hours.
Very glad we decided to change them though, because 6 out of the 8 bolts were so badly corroded that when we tried to remove them, either the head of the bolt or the nut at the bottom snapped off; a couple of them even snapped off at both ends!
It was a real hassle but definitely necessary. We shudder to think what might happen if they snapped off at sea. It would without a doubt be a real challenge. Not one that we'd want to take on if we could avoid it.
The next day, we decided to replace the 8 bolts for the back stays as well. Fortunately, none of those bolts were as corroded as the ones on the jib stay so replacing them were easy peasy.
Before (port side)
Just another typical day's work on the boat.
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| Corroded bolt snapped off at both ends |
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| Base of the jib stay (view from under the boat) |
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| A close up of the bolts replaced on the Starboard side (excuse the Sikaflex mess) |
The next day, we decided to replace the 8 bolts for the back stays as well. Fortunately, none of those bolts were as corroded as the ones on the jib stay so replacing them were easy peasy.
Before (port side)
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After (port side)
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| The Old vs New - Nuts & Bolts |
Just another typical day's work on the boat.
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