Leaking Centerboard Pivot bolt

I just purchased a 1989 Gemini Catamaran 3000. A couple days afterwards, the port centerboard pivot bolt started dripping. Inspection showed it to be highly rusted/degraded to the point the bolt head fell off. I still have 500 miles to complete the delivery home. Is it in jeopardy of completely breaking loose causing the centerboard to drop off or hang by the retrieval line and leaving a 3/4" hole below the water line of the boat? Any experience with this and repair would be greatly appreciated.

 

I know nothing of the design but wouldn't think of going anywhere until a new bolt has been found.How hard is it to find a bolt,any bolt of the correct diameter and length will be better than what you have and can be replaced if necessary.A 3/4" hole will be a disaster and the boat may well be lost and presumably any insurance will be invalidated if you knowingly put to sea with such a fault-that is if you are around to answer any searching questions.Some delay and inconvenience seems like a small price to pay for actually getting there and having a boat to arrive on.

 

Hi Keith, a bolt or two should be easy to source, and suitable seals, washers, etc.. (even seals of inner tube). If your boat is currently in the water you need to secure the board from underneath so it doesn't drop out; suspend it so it is secure and there is no load on the bolt, then push the old bolt out with the new (lubricated) bolt, so hole alignment doesn't become an issue. The new thread end may need a small angle ground on to it to facilitate pushing into the hole. As wet feet said "any bolt of the correct diameter and length will be better than what you have and can be replaced if necessary." Avoid having any threaded bolt part supporting the board, ensure it bears on smooth round bolt shaft, or the thread becomes a cutter with each pivot. Check the other one for condition, or just replace both anyway, and that's two less worries you will have on your trip home. Good luck and fair winds.

 

Taking ownership of a 1990 Gemini 3200. Portside pivot bolt leaking. Going to haul it for bottom job. Bolt either needs replacing or just resealed. Does the other end have a nut on the other side or does it screw into an opposing threaded connection in the hull? A diagram would be nice.

 

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the pivot hole is chewed up and elongated in both boat and boards. Possibly ream or drill out for a larger bolt? Perhaps rubber gasket material and big washers on the outsides of the trunks. But to just get home, while floating, drill a tap size hole in the top of trunk and board, drill a clearance size hole through top of trunk, threading the tap size hole below to receive a bolt. This is just to hold the board temporarily until the pivot bolt is replaced. Better yet, message forum member Steve W. He has a 3000 and knows just about everything about everything boat related.

 

Any way to tell if bolt holes are elongated or chewed up b4 hauling. Dont want to be in a boat yard 80 miles from home without all my tools and not be able to fix that since I dont know local suppliers. Owner says there are 4 new OEM spare replacement bolts. I think prudential I'll just replace bolts in both boards & reseal them. Would think 4200 under the sealing washer would be appropriate. If I could determine the holes were wallowed out, I think I'd pass on the Gemini. Hope there's a way to tell without hauling her.
Couldn't figure out how to message anyone directly but I did find Steve W. & follow him.

 

C.Red. I was mainly referring to the OP's issue with a broken bolt, which can do nasty things to bolt holes, and putting in 500 more sailing miles before fixing is indeed foolhardy. Regarding 'wallowed out' holes, that should not rank high as a reason to not get this Gemini; it's an old boat and an easy fix. Small bulkheads that contain any leaks (til way above the waterline) could be installed if not there already, for peace of mind. There are dedicated Gemini forums online that could address many issues you may encounter.