Early 80 Nacras had 2 bolts thru the cross bar to hold to hulls, later models had straps over the bars;
So there are 2 vs 4 anchor points respectively. More is usually better. Is the 2 bolt system strong, or best to get a boat with the straps?
Do the through bolt anchors cause more cracks?
Thanks.
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John
Nacra 5.0
CT
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Early Nacra crossbar retention, 2 bolt vs straps, which is better?
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The later boats had a 5-point connection in the front beam. In addition to the straps, a bolt inside the crossbar prevents rotation. I think the fact the straps were used in the later design was done for a good reason to distribute the load. I guess any boat that has survived 40 years deserves respect, but I would favor the newer design.
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Tom
NACRA 5.7 (1984 Sail 181)
Pennsylvania
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I agree,inserted bolt besides 2 straps each side on my 5.2 before lost to hurricane Sandy I also kept the aluminum bar that ran from front cross bar to rear cross bar. sandy destroyed hulls but "frame"did Not suffer any damage, I duplicated same securing design for my N5.7 when we diassembled front cross bar to install new dolphin striker & bolt below mast- instructive photos available on this site were a Hugh help -
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I agree,inserted bolt besides 2 straps each side on my 5.2 before lost to hurricane Sandy I also kept the aluminum bar that ran from front cross bar to rear cross bar. sandy destroyed hulls but "frame"did Not suffer any damage, I duplicated same securing design for my N5.7 when we diassembled front cross bar to install new dolphin striker & bolt below mast- instructive photos available on this site were a Hugh help -
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My 1983 Nacra 5.0 has the 2 bolt setup:
When I got it, it only had one internal beam casting (no boss) at the end of each beam (total 4). I noticed that the hole in the beam was much larger that than the bolt, but didn't know why. Then I learned that there was a second type of internal beam casting with a boss to index the hulls to the proper width and prevent beam rotation:
To bolster the design a bit and correct my boat, I bought (4) additional castings with the boss. I run (1) casting with boss and one casting without boss at the end of each beam. 3-1/2 seasons on the boat so far and no issues. I do periodically check the bolts for proper torque and sometimes find that they are a tad loose. My strongest advice on these bolts is that you can not apply enough anti-seize compound before assembly. It's a SS nut on a SS bolt which a perfect recipe for seizing up and twisting off and you DO NOT want to go there
https://www.oreillyauto.c…cant/81343/4610251?pos=1
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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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I thought the early boats were the ones with the straps and the later ones had the bolts. My 18 square is an 82 and has the straps only. -
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Don't have an answer for you on what models and years used each type. A friend in our local club has a 1984 Nacra 5.0 and it has straps??? Go figure...
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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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Hey all! Was going to make a new thread but this seemed like a good place to start!! I just picked up a 70s 18’ Alpha/Hobie cat for a friend. The front crossbar is not really secured and can slide side to side, well it slid too hard and punched through the hull... I can do Fiberglas work and fix it, but my question is how do I prevent this and how is it supposed to be secured?
Can I not attach pics directly to a post? -
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Yes, you can, go to Site FAQ, on the menu, at the very top of the page.
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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
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Hey all! Was going to make a new thread but this seemed like a good place to start!! I just picked up a 70s 18’ Alpha/Hobie cat for a friend. The front crossbar is not really secured and can slide side to side, well it slid too hard and punched through the hull... I can do Fiberglas work and fix it, but my question is how do I prevent this and how is it supposed to be secured?
I put the zip ties on after to keep the pole from sliding down during transport.
Edited by sailwyoming on Dec 27, 2018 - 01:19 PM. -
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Greetings Sailwyoming,
Since this is an Alpha bow crossbar issue, not a Nacra beam issue, it would be helpful to start a new thread
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Philip
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I know how it is prevented on a Nacra, but no first hand knowledge of your Cat. Is there a Facebook group, or perhaps join the Hobie forum & ask.
This is the onlyy thing I’ve seen on them. Good luck.
http://https://www.thebeachcats.com/forums/viewtopic/topic/12350#pid27172
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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
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