New owner here - just picked up #82 down in Florida and brought her up to Lake Norman (NC) last weekend.
We are very happy with the condition of the boat but one thing I'd like to address is the motor mount. There are 3 "pegs" that accept the keyway for either the aft mast crutch, or the motor mount. These pegs appear to be just stainless carriage bolts (5/16"-18) with a sleeve to accept the keyway in the mount or crutch. They are backed inside the boat by what I think is a 9/16" nylon-locking nut and a washer.
They were all loose but I was able to tighten them. Access to two was through the aft watertight lazarette. The third bolt was a pain and required me crawling under the port cockpit with a flashlight in my mouth. The issue is that over time, the bushing compressed some and getting the motor on is a tight fit. I figured doing so on the water, in a stressful situation, would not be ideal.
I'd like to replace the three bolts and bushings if possible. From looking through old posts, someone used to reproduce them but that was quite a while ago. Any leads on sources?
My backup plan is to use what I have, or make my own out of SS carriage bolts if I cannot find them.
Best,
Paul DiMarco, Co-owner
#82 Whirligig
Lake Norman YC
