J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment What's Inside the Boom

Seconding Bob's comments. I have a suggestion for an alternative to rivets that alleviates the concern Bob mentions on the stainless to aluminum interface. I have used Helicoil inserts on both the boom and mast. When properly installed, these are held in place with Loctite at the exterior of the coil to minimize the corrosion impact. The interior threads are stainless and provide a consistent stainless on stainless interface with the fastener.

Kits are available in various sizes and lengths to match the thickness of the boom and fastener size. The next time access is needed there is no need to drill out the rivets.

Below is a kit sold at many hardware outlets - this one is on the Home Depot website.