[C320-list] Rigging Tie Rods

Tue Aug 18 10:30:22 PDT 2020

Thanks all for the info on snugging down the rigging tie rods.  

I’m not sure how much turning radius in available up and under the storage bins where the rods are anchored, but it seems a crow’s foot is the best option.  

The reason I’m looking to tighten the rods, is that I have a creak noise coming from the joint between the headliner and the rear head bulkhead. (the bulkhead that is between the head and the stateroom).  When the boat is going to wind, especially under heavier wind, I get a creaking sound from what appears to be the top of the bulkhead as the hull flexes and relaxes with the waves.  A local boat tech suggested I make sure the tie rods are properly tensioned since a loose rod, anchored to tight rigging, could be causing flex in the deck and making the sound.  Sounds like a plausible explanation, so I’ll loosen the rigging, make sure the rods are tight and then retune the rig.

I’m wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar sound form the bulk head joint and if there are any other ideas on what could be causing this sound.  I believe the whole head unit is an independent structure that is placed into the boat as the hull to deck joint is put together.  I talked with Catalina and from what I’m told, this structure is caulked in and simply floats in the channels of the headliner and floor with no hard tabbing that attaches it.

If anyone has any ideas on chasing this ghost……

Thanks,

Michael Leschisin

#995
Menominee, MI

> On Aug 17, 2020, at 7:05 AM, Jeff Smith <jeffreyssmith at live.com> wrote:
> 
> Michael,
> 
> They also make what are called "crow's foot" wrenches. Essentially, it is the business end of an open-end wrench that you connect to an extension and then your ratchet. They are useful for these hard-to-reach places where you need to get some torque. Finding a size that big might be a problem, but I thought I would mention it.
> 
> Jeff
> '94, #121
> 
> On 8/15/20, 3:04 PM, "C320-list on behalf of mseyler at cox.net" <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com on behalf of mseyler at cox.net> wrote:
> 
>    Three possible solutions for tightening the tie-rods.  
> 
>    First, you can get deep-well sockets.  I found a 27MM socket at Grainger.  
> 
>    https://www.grainger.com/product/SK-PROFESSIONAL-TOOLS-27mm-Alloy-Steel-Socket-with-20K043 
> 
>    I also found one much cheaper at Northern Tool.  
> 
>    https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200654072_200654072
> 
>    For the one-time low-torques use you're going to have, the cheaper version is probably fine.  Frustratingly, neither one says how deep the socket actually is, so it's hard to tell whether it would be deep enough to fit over the tie-rod end.
> 
>    There is also such a thing as a "pass-through" socket set.  I bought one at Grainger for another project.  
> 
>    https://www.grainger.com/category/tools/sockets-bits/socket-sets?attrs=Item%7CPass-Thru+Socket+Set&filters=attrs 
> 
>    It only went up to 22MM, so might not be big enough for the tie-rods.  But if you can find one for the size of the nuts, it allows the bolt to pass through the ratchet, and covers any length of bolt.
> 
>    The other alternative would be to find a box ratchet wrench.  Here's one from Grainger, again:
> 
>    https://www.grainger.com/product/WESTWARD-1-1-8-54PN37
> 
>    You might be able to find one cheaper.  But because of the thickness of the ratchet mechanism, there may be some places a socket would fit or a plain box wrench, but not a box ratchet wrench.
> 
>    I agree with Dave that you don't want to tighten the tie-rod too much, because it would tend to pull the fitting down through the deck.  But I would think you'd want a little bit of pre-load to counter the upward pull on the windward shrouds when the boat is on the wind.  If anyone knows of a specification I'd love to see it.
> 
>    Good luck, and let us know how it all works out.  This list is an incredible source of information that any one of us may need one day.
> 
>    Mark Seyler
>    S/V Reality, 
>    Catalina 320, #232
>    New Orleans, LA
> 
> 
> 
>    -----Original Message-----
>    From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Dave Hupe
>    Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020 11:00 AM
>    To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>    Subject: Re: [C320-list] Rigging Tie Rods
> 
>    Michael-
>    I had one rod that was loose to the point I could shake it back and forth and hear a slight rattle.  I snugged it up just enough with an open end wrench to eliminate the play.  I think if you torque it too much you risk cracking the deck at the chain plate (not good).
>    I think I read an earlier post about just snugging it up. Dave Hupe
>    1994 C320 #32
> 
>    Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
> 
>      On Sat, Aug 15, 2020 at 10:01 AM, Michael Leschisin<mleschisin at imagestudios.com> wrote:   Hey all,
> 
>    I need to snug down the tie rods for the standing rigging on my boat.  (The rods we all have on the interior of the boat that anchor the rigging to the hull behind the settees.). I believe the fore and aft tie rod nuts are 3/4 inch.  Does anyone know the exact size of the center tie rod nut?  I measured it with calipers but its pretty difficult to get to cleanly, so I’m not sure if it’s an inch and 1/16th, an inch and 1/8th or possibly 27mm.  
> 
>    I’m also looking for some advice on a source for extra long sockets since the rod extends about two and a half inches beyond the nut.  I can get a combination wrench on the fore and aft rods, but the ability to turn the wrench is very limited.  I’m guessing the center rods, with an even larger wrench, will be even more restricted so it seems a socket would be the way to go…. any experience in this area?  I’m guessing there are no standard torque specs for these nuts but if someone knows otherwise that would also be a great help.
> 
>    Thanks for the help,
> 
>    Michael Leschisin
> 
> 
> 
>    Wild Blue Yonder
>    #995
>    Menominee, MI
> 
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