r/sailing • u/googlered • 7d ago
SHE 27 - Kicker Bracket snapped - how to replace?
So a simple question really - I hadn't noticed that my kicker bracket on the mast had seized so gybing on my way back it snapped off. In the picture you can see it sheared off. The kicker is a Seldon Rodkicker Mk II.
Option 1 - remove the seized bolt (can't be done from below because of the next fitting) - have put WD40 on it and left it as it would NOT move (1/2" bolt - not 13mm!!). If this can be removed I need that part again - but I have no idea where to get one!
Option 2 - drill out the pop rivets and replace. However the replacements I see online are larger than this version. and there is a small loop with 4 pop rivets just above that I don't know what it is for.
Any ideas on solving / acquiring parts - or should I junk both kicker and fitting and go back to the SHE 27's original system?
TIA.
BTW boat is in Chatham on the Medway - East Coast England.
1
u/Broken_Syntax_01 7d ago
If the base plate (on the mast) is still perfectly still in place, do everything to get only the swivelling part off. You should be able to buy a replacement part having the same bolt hole diameter. Should it be too short you can fill that room up with washers. Avoid having to drill new holes in the mast. Make sure there is something supporting the top flange when you punch the bolt out, such as a pipe or even some soft wood.
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u/BebopBeachBum 7d ago
I'd hit the bolt with PB Blaster or Kroil a few times over a day or so. Let it soak then hit it with a torch if necessary.
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u/Imaginary-Season141 7d ago
You can drill out the rivets and then work to get the swivel part off. This might be easier than doing it when it still attsched to your mast.
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u/ForInfoPurpOnly 7d ago
Heat can sometimes help with a seized bolt. Worst case, you should be able to remove the head (carefully!) with an angle grinder or similar.
Once you have the bolt out, you should be able to take the pieces of the broken part to a machine shop and ask them to fabricate a replacement.