[Public-List] track car slides

Thu Mar 6 08:14:41 PST 2008

Thanks Dan, guess I was just lurking and waiting for the right subject to
come up.  I mean, what could be more exciting than track spacers!  

-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On Behalf Of dan walker
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 11:07 AM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-List] track car slides

roger ,
i was wondering where you have been. do not remember you jumping in lately.
good to have you back dan

"Roger L. Kingsland" <r.kingsland at ksba.com> wrote: Hi Albergers,

It seems contributors "the list" fall somewhere between two extremes, the
"if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it" cabal (decidedly the majority and
understandably so given the age of our boats) and those mavericks always
trying to reinvent the wheel.  I suspect some of the latter offer unique
opinions to be provocative and see how long it takes to get an
if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it response, but don't know for sure.

Anyway, how to fasten stuff to the deck fascinates me and, in the 5+ years I
have pondered the subject (I know, get a life), I am still trying to figure
out how to best attach my new toe rail (I am leaning toward Detail #63).
Point being, I am far from an expert but I do try to apply (potentially
flawed) logic to solutions; so here is mine relative to fastening stuff.  

Don, you are certainly right that the original spacer design has lasted 44
years and I have heard similar arguments relative to the toe rail connection
and other details.  But, I also recall several discussions on the page on
how to stop leaks through deck fittings, chain plates, toe rails, hatches,
you name it.  So, it could be the case that, although some of the original
details enjoy a certain longevity, they lack the degree of functionality
possible with newer thinking and materials.

My opinion (not recommendation) is the only requirement for the track spacer
is it be rigid enough to transfer the loads from the track to the deck
without any flex because flex will eventually cause the fastener to expand
the hole through which it passes resulting in leaks.  The real issue is how
to seal the holes, particularly if the spacer needs to be so rigid that it
will not seat on the deck and compress around the shaft of the fastener.  

I haven't fully researched it yet but understand neoprene is VU, ozone,
chemical and water resistant and it also comes in varying degrees of
hardness ranging from wetsuit cloth to almost as hard as metal.  One
approach could be to use very rigid neoprene (or any other sufficiently hard
material) for the spacers and use softer, sticker neoprene to seal the
holes.  I know it works as a sealant because pre-engineered building
manufacturers use neoprene washers under exposed screw heads to hold down
metal roofs.  Seems to me one could bevel the top and button of each bolt
hole passing thru the spacer, stick one of those neoprene washers (with a
volume slightly bigger than the volume of the bevel minus the bolt shaft) in
there and revel in the knowledge that when the bolt is tightened that stuff
is oozing, under intense pressure, around the bolt shaft and against both
the deck and the underside of the track.  Gives me goose bumps just to think
about it.

Another thing to lie awake at night thinking about.

Roger 148  

-----Original Message-----
From: public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org
[mailto:public-list-bounces at lists.alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Don Campbell
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 8:42 AM
To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
Subject: Re: [Public-List] track car slides

Seems tome there is one thing missed here. If the original product used
lasted for 44 years, then if you use the same product equally well, it just
might last for another 44 years and that is not a bad track record. 
The newer caulking materials might outlast the old as well and if you are
still sailing this boat in 44 years, then more power to you.
Don

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