http://www.thebeachcats.com/forums/viewtopic/topic/11719
I find no factory documentation specifying the pre-bend or a factory method for setting/checking it (please post any factory information on this subject if you have it). The "snug up the bottom nut and go 3/8" further" makes sense, elegant in its simplicity. A compression tube is commented on which I didn't know existed, however it makes sense to prevent the tube from crushing when load is applied. Taking a peek inside my front cross beam I found no compression tube:
Panic and anxiety quickly set in as I thought, here we go again, one more obstacle to my first splash as the Indian summer quickly fades. Likely days to find the dimensions for the thing, procure material and fab it. Fortunately, I purchased an '84 5.0 basket case parts boat with a front beam. To my delight it had a tube which was lightly corroded. Here it is with dimensions should someone need to fab one:
So, did Nacra put out some of these boats early without the tube then add it after beam collapse episodes or did they all have it from the beginning and mine was missing due to oversight?
I appreciate the tips on installing the tube (tape to batten) and use of anti-seize in the above referenced thread (no pun intended). Any other comments and or tips on installing the tube are most welcome. Is it possible to install the tube without removing the dolphin striker as the striker rod must come out?
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Hobie 16 (3 formerly)
MacGregor 25 (formerly)
Chrysler Dagger 14 (formerly)
NACRA 5.0 (currently)
High Point, NC
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