Changing Goose Neck Casting

[kellyima]

Just want to share an experience I had recently with changing a goose neck casting at front end of boom. One side of my old gooseneck had broken off accidentally (don't ask), the part with the pin which kept the sail tack attached to the boom.

Rudy of D&R shipped it overnight and I tried to change it myself. The screw attaching the old piece to the boom was frozen.

I brought it to a marina, and they couldn't unscrew it either (something about aluminum and stainless steel shouldn't be attached together for long periods of time). but had to cut off the head and drill out the old screw. They then put in the new gooseneck (almost putting the hook on the wrong side), but had to drill a hole through the casting in order to place the new screw (which incidentally isn't part of the kit).

It was all much more complicated than I originally thought, involving a torch, vice grips, tapping tools, etc.

Just want people to know what they're up against if they ever have to make this repair.

[GreenLake]

When you put stainless screws into aluminum, separate them electrically. The best practice for that would be to use "tef gel". The stuff's not cheap, but a little goes a long way, and it's sold in a handy syringe.

If you aren't sure that the workshop used it or something like it, undo the screw now, use some of it and put it back together. That way, if it breaks again...

[Bob Hunkins]

Another good product is called "Lanocote". Try lookin at West Marine. Great stuff.