Can anyone explain?

[cpedw]

In PBO Feb 2010, there's an article about Atlantic crossing with a section called "three minute rig check". It includes "Boom fittings in good order. Especially check the plastic washer in the gooseneck..."
Does your gooseneck have a plastic washer?
Should I be fitting one?
I have never noticed a plastic washer in the gooseneck in any of the 3 boats I have owned. The current arrangement has a bolt and a clevis pin to allow horizontal and vertical movement, with stainless washers. The aluminium block between the boom end and the bracket on the mast was very worn so it was replaced about 2 years ago, but it's been there for 20 years.
Perhaps I should be asking in TOP.
Derek

[Aja]

I have plastic washers on my selden boom/mast fitting at the goosneck which will probably be the same set up as most. The washers don't last long and I think all they do is prevent squeaking!

Donald

[aquaplane]

Aquaplane had 2 on the gooseneck fitting. The top bit on the fitting in the pic should have had one on:

There should have been another similar bit sticking out of the bottom but it had just about worn away. I saw a Dufour 1800 at Troon which had worn away the same so it must be a comon problem.

[Silkie]

I wondered why there was so much play in mine.



TFT.

PS - They might also help with that hum you sometimes get transmitted via the boom?

[aquaplane]

I wondered why there was so much play in mine.



TFT.

PS - They might also help with that hum you sometimes get transmitted via the boom?

Well I bought the wrong bit, that one you lift the boom to about 45° and it comes off, the new one I got has a hole in it for a bolt, you can have it if it's any good to you. I used the washers though.