Here's another use for turnbuckles (maybe)
I had to make up a new bracket to mount my replacement Jabsco (deck-wash pump) at the bottom left and also the 60A alternator which piggy-backs on the top of this bracket. The original V-belt tensioners looked like the one used on the 120A alternator bracket on the right hand side but I have always found these a pain to adjust 'just right'. I thought I might try turnbuckles instead. As they are installed in compression, both the locking nut and the threaded frame transfer load onto the eye bolts to give more strength. I also hammered 5/16 stainless nuts into the eyes of the turnbuckles and drilled them out to 3/8 to give a better fit for the mounting/attachment bolts. I was also going to spot weld the nuts into the turn-buckle eyes, but they were a very firm fit, so I thought they shouldn't need it. But I did put captive washers on the mounting bolts just in case (2 b sure, 2 b sure)
It was very nice to be able to adjust the tension of the V-Belt without having improvised levers held by legs or elbows while trying to nip up bolts to secure the adjustment brackets in place.
I broke the boom fitting at the goose neck during the Lord Howe trip. The repaired item is now much more rugged than the cast aluminium fitting. Joe Walsh ground the old flange off and put an eye bolt from a turnbuckle through the middle. A very good outcome.
Thanks for sharing Morning Bird. Another idea to keep in store for when a bit of creativity is needed to sort out another boat challenge. It's a mazing how innovative some people are. Cheers
