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Ensign Sailing Forum

Traveler
Robert McTaggart

The bolts holding down my traveler rail lifted out on one side, as you can see in the photo. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I might repair this?

The boat was built in 1965, but has probably been modified.


Robert McTaggart

Ensign 931

Stuart Craig
There is usually an inspection port that would have been added to the stern deck giving you access below to hold locknuts and tighten.. 

Bill Hawk
I would also add that you should check for, and install if needed, some kind of backing plate under the rear decking - something that the traveler bolts can be affixed to or at least that helps spread the load.

My traveller was attached with machine screws that were literally just screwed into the fiberglass, sketchy as heck.  We put a couple of ports in the back of the cockpit (is that a bulkhead, behind the tiller head?) that let us get a fender washer on each bolt, tightened up against the glass from below.

What was a potential failure point is now going to be the last part of the boat to break, come the apocalypse.

The access ports are covered with some nicely beveled teak boards, secured with brass and caulked.  Screw-in covers would have worked as well.

Good luck!

Bill Hawk
Prickly Pair #1414
Fleet 30
Austin Yacht Club


Robert McTaggart

A previous owner screwed the traveler into round things that were just glued to the deck. To get under the deck, I cut a couple of access holes in the bulkhead at back of the cockpit. That allowed me to get a large washer on each bolt with a locknut tightened against the fiberglass from below. All bolts, washers and nuts are stainless steel. The access ports are covered with screw-in covers. Some are attached.


Robert McTaggart

Ensign 931

Bay View, Michigan

Fleet 84


Edward Rose
Hi Robert,
 
Looks like the fasteners have loosened and dropped off the bolts! You'll need access to the underside to re-secure everything. Don't forget generous backing plates. I have installed 4 Beckson deck access plates on the stern and aft cockpit bulkhead for great access. Attached is a PDF plan view of my aft deck layout and some pics for reference. Hope this helps!
 
Ed
Ensign 1484 "Eraser"

In a message dated 8/1/2024 11:34:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time, ensignsailing@ensignclass.com writes:
 
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The bolts holding down my traveler rail lifted out on one side, as you can see in the photo. Does anyone have any suggestions about how I might repair this?

The boat was built in 1965, but has probably been modified.

 

Robert McTaggart

Ensign 931


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