On another note: the holes for the bobstay bolts had some “voids” in the fiberglass. We plugged them with dowels and filled them with epoxy. I’ll drill them back out in a couple days when the epoxy dries. The new fitting is done and I’m picking it up tomorrow.
Hello Bob, I happened to hit on your website and signed up for the l;ead. I have a 1985 TY37 MkII, interior almost identical, but the ketch version, hull # 424. Being a traditionalist, I was planning tan bark sails and was happy to see the picture of Charisma under sail looking close-hauled from the bow…beautiful with those sails and canvasses, I am now totally convinced! Would you have a picture broad sided, and perhaps on a run?
I had started to excavate the first nut of the bobstay hull fitting but have not found the second yet. After reading about your efforts, I am now considering cutting and grinding the bolts flush or a little under the outside skin and bury them under a layer of fiberglass. Then make a new fitting with one bolt hole in-beteen the existing and above the top of the existing and again cover them well on the inside; that should save time right? I would doubt that the slightly steeper angle would have a noticable effect on the forces, and it would bring the fitting just above the waterline when docked instead of half under. Hans
Hello Hans. Good to hear from a fellow owner. I also considered doing what you suggest, but there are two issues to consider. First is whether there might have been any leakage. If you just cut off the bolts, and moisture that got in will be trapped. Turns out Chaisma had a couple large “voids” in the fiberglass that I found once the bolts came out. I have now injected epoxy in there to fill them. The second and more important issue is that on my boat at least, the bolts go through a SS backing plate. So, if you move the plate up half the distance from where it is now and redrill new holes, you will have to drill through that plate on the lower hole. That wouldn’t be any more fun than just sucking it up and finishing the excavation project.