U clamp bolts, Prow of 16' Gloucester Mutineer

[sea bird]

How do you tighten the U Clamp bolts on this boat. The U clamp is used to winch the boat on to the trailer and hold it there while towing.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: U clamp bolts, Prow of 16' Gloucester Mutineer

Might have to bend and stretch but there is usually a way to get to the nuts on the back. If not your only solution would be cutting a hole somewhere and then installing a access plate. regards fred

 

[Solittle]

Re: U clamp bolts, Prow of 16' Gloucester Mutineer

A BIG WELCOME sea bird - Most that I have seen have a backing plate on the inside as fred points out. I wouldn't be in a big hurry about cutting a hole. That can be a high stress area.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: U clamp bolts, Prow of 16' Gloucester Mutineer

Woops! by all means dont get the chain saw out yet. Some have nuts on the outside that can be tightened to pull up the backing plate. But why did it come loose? Thats an important fitting if you trailer or use it for davits. By all means find out why it is loose,probably corrosion! Dont cut a hole in the top of the bow. Dont know the boat configuration but guess there is a bow bulkhead that a 6 in. round hole can be cut in for a socket and extensions to get to it. If in doubt replace it!<br /> Short story, crested a high bridge under repaivment years ago just before dawn (edison n.j.). Boat stopped in the slow lane, no car,no trailer,just a boat. Expected to find someone at the end of the bridge with an empty trailer but no! Can only imagine there reaction when they got to the shore and realised they forgot the boat. WOW, that was an easy tow from SAYREVILLE! regards fred