So the bungee (shock cord) for the forward trapezes snapped. Any advice on how to get a 'pilot' through the forward beam so I can re-thread the bungee cord? The end caps seem impossible to remove (cat is about 2000 vintage, in case it is important)
Thanks
davo

There is usually a couple of small SS screws hold the cap in place. (Talking older Nacra, not sure what year they went to the new style beams).
If you tightened the beam strap bolts down more than spec,(18 ft/lb), you may also have compressed the slot the tramp sits in, & also compressed it onto the caps. You could loosen the strap bolts,(they could probably use some grease anyway).
The simplest solution is a store like Harbour Freight, (or Princess Auto if you are in Canada), & purchase what is called a fish tape. They are under $10.
Feed one end through, then you might have to use a short piece of bent wire at the other side to pick up the business end of the fish tape.



Edited by Edchris177 on Aug 08, 2016 - 10:18 AM.

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Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--

A tent pole from a light weight tent is a possibility. Be sure to tape the joints closed really well.

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'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
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bottom batten is usually long enough

Did this yesterday. Fully extend tiller - tie on bungee to ringding on the tiller - fish tiller through and past mast support bolt in the middle. Tiller just long enough.

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Mark Hirte
Nacra 5.0 1983 - (1st cat)
Deerfield, Il
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Did this yesterday. Fully extend tiller - tie on bungee to ring ding on the tiller - fish tiller through and past mast support bolt in the middle. Tiller just long enough.

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Mark Hirte
Nacra 5.0 1983 - (1st cat)
Deerfield, Il
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Quote

bottom batten is usually long enough

Quote

Fully extend tiller...

Those are the obvious, & most common cures. I read his post as not being able to remove the end caps, rendering a batten, tiller, or tied to a mouse useless.
A fibreglass tent pole might just fit through the hole in the cap, but I think the joints are to thick.
Fishtape is made to solve these problems, or flip the boat on its side on the lawn & drop a fish-line with a small weight through. You will have to fiddle a bit to get it out the small hole in the opposite end cap.
I'mnot familiar with the newer square beamed Nacra design, it might be like the Mystere I had, the through bolts hold the end caps.

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
--

I am quite familiar with fish tapes, own two. The fish tape method is one I would certainly try. A loop of bailing wire on the other end to hook the eye of the fish tape would be essential. The plumb bob method occurred to me also. On my current LL Bean backpacking tent the poles are about a 1/4" dia. aluminum and the joints are internal. I have used a tent pole more than once to fish a wire through a void when my fish tape would just curl up. This job has the potential to generate new middle names for the Savior no matter what method you try. Good luck

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'82 Super Cat 15
Hull #315
Virginia
Previously owned: '70 H14, '79 H16, '68 Sailmaster 26, '85 H14T
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