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All of the shiny (and not-so-shiny) stuff that’s bolted to your boat is called hardware.
Nuts & Bolts
Fasteners are the screws, nuts and bolts that attach the various pieces of hardware to your boat. Due to their corrosion resistance, stainless steel fasteners are recommended over the bright-finish
screws, bolts, and nuts from your local home-improvement store.
The term “through-bolted” means that an item of deck hardware is held in place with a bolt (or long machine screw) that goes all the way through the deck. Under the deck, a washer and nut
are threaded on the bolt, and tightened with a wrench to hold the piece of deck hardware firmly in place.
Rub Rail
One of the most cost-effective ways to freshen up an older boat’s appearance is to replace the rub rail—the narrow “bumper” that goes all the way around your boat, usually at the place where the hull meets the deck.
Cleats
Cleats provide a place to attach dock lines and fenders. It’s rare to have a cleat actually fail; more often than not, the fasteners holding the cleat to the deck work loose—or come out altogether.
If the cleats on your boat wiggle at all, you need to break out your tool kit and try to re-tighten the cleat’s fasteners. Remember to use a wrench or ratchet and socket to tighten the nuts under the deck if the cleats are through-bolted.
Walk-thru Windshields
Another hardware situation that’s within the realm of the do-it-yourself boat owner is fixing a droopy walk-thru windshield. If the center glass panel doesn’t want to close properly, chances are that the windshield fasteners and supports aren’t as tight as they should be.
Form Follows Function
The bottom line is that deck hardware is more than eye-candy—each piece of hardware has a job to do—and with a little upkeep, it’ll last as long as the rest of your boat.
If you have any enquiries relating to hardware on your vessel, please call us on (087) 280 7028 or e-mail us at info@truelightmarine.ie. |
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BOAT MAINTENANCE To ensure the maximum enjoyment of the season, Truelight Marine offer service programs, available weekly to suit your needs. more about boat maintenance >>
BOAT SAFETY While accidents do happen, knowledge and preparation go a long way toward returning to the dock safely. more about boat safety >>
TRANSPORTING YOUR BOAT We provide door to door service and base our business on customer service and satisfaction. We never compromise on these beliefs. more about our boat transport >>
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