My OMG Moment...

[Target9000]

While tinkering around the "new to us" boat today I looked behind the cabinet in the head where the port forward chain plate is bolted to the hull. I found 2 of the nuts backed off more than a half inch on the bolts and one didn't have a washer on on it.

My OMG moment....

My question... When I replace the washers and tighten the nuts back down is there a recommendation to use any sort of locktite or other product on the nuts before tightening?

[LakeSuperior]

I recommend the blue Locktite. It tends to make the nut act like a nylock nut in that you will be able to loosen the nuts in the future without having to apply heat.

[delmarrey]

I'd recommend doubling up with some fender washers. And why not just use nylocs?

[Laidback]

Originally Posted by Target9000

While tinkering around the "new to us" boat today I looked behind the cabinet in the head where the port forward chain plate is bolted to the hull. I found 2 of the nuts backed off more than a half inch on the bolts and one didn't have a washer on on it.

Did you check to see how the starboard bolts were secured - with split washers??

You will need go round all the chain plates to ensure they are in good shape.
Nylocs in preference to locktite.

[Blue Stocking]

If you use Nylocks, make sure the threads on the capscrews (bolts) are clean and not worn. If they are worn, and you use Nylocks, they are most-times very difficult to remove later. been there.

[David M]

I agree with nylocs. Be sure to add the appropriate sized stainless steel washers as well to all the bolts without them. Of course, add the missing washers one at a time so the whole rig does not come down.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha,
You are lucky that you are very thorough and observant. Although this may not have been a catastrophic problem it certainly is unnerving.
Pat yourself on the back! Did you have a surveyor?
regards,

[Target9000]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

Aloha,
You are lucky that you are very thorough and observant. Although this may not have been a catastrophic problem it certainly is unnerving.
Pat yourself on the back! Did you have a surveyor?
regards,

Yes sir, yes sir I did hire a surveyor. However he did not note this problem and I'm a bit upset about it. The surveyor also did not find other problems I found in the rigging until I pointed them out to him.

I will certainly be going through all the key points of the rig to make sure no more gremlins are lurking where I can't see them.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Nylocs and new washers it is. Hell... I might go ahead and pull the chain plates altogether and put new bolts in. No time like the present right?

[DeepFrz]

I think its a wise decision to pull and inspect the chain plates at this time.
Good luck.

[senormechanico]

Don't do what some guy did several years ago in Anacortes on a beautiful Lord Nelson 41.
He decided to clean all his standing rigging, so he unscrewed all his turnbuckles.
The mast fell over on a couple of boats in the next slips.

[SkiprJohn]

Senormechanico,
I've seen that happen but on a 30ish Ericson. Certainly surprised the owner and thankfully no one was hurt and only a few scratches here and there.
regards,