Dart 15 Forums

Richard wrote:

I need to replace these as one is nearly cracked right across. Any tips for replacing these without tears?
For example, to what are the screws connected?

Richard, WYC

Steve Willis replied:

Richard,

Funnily enough Andrew asked the same question on Sunday evening and Chris Stafford and I talked through it with him then.
Beware, the screws bolt through to a plate with three nuts on that will virtually certainly fall down if you take all three screws out at once (needing hull top removal). Rather than try and describe it give me a ring on 07980 416422 and we can arrange to meet and go through it in front of the boat (yours or over at SSC). Several of us have done it in the last two years.

Steve
SSC

George Stephen replied:

When I had to replace a plate on my boat (1594 - a 1992 boat) I found that Laser Centre could only supply the ones used on Dart 18s - an updated plate made of much thicker material. So I had to order 2 to maintain a match.

When they came they were flat, so I had to bend them in the right place before fitting them.

I don't know what Windsport sell, so check when you order.

George

PS for Steve Willis : If you've the time to prepare and post a set of instructions on this website, I'm sure that the Fleet would appreciate your telling us how to do it without risking the internal plate dropping down....

AndrewHannah replied:

Following my chat with Steve Willis and Chris Stafford, I placed an order for a replacement pair from Windsport. See Suppliers link. They cost ?5-71 for each tang, which can be orderred on-line.

I wouldn't presume to give Richard advice on how to fix them. Suffice to say, it would be helpful if you were born with three hands!

Andrew.

Steve Willis replied:

Quite happy to do so George.

Andrew/Richard - I need to get one of the screws out of my boat tomorrow and check what thread it has and the length and I will write some notes tomorrow pm.

The reason for this is it is 'safer' if we are going public, so to speak, to buy 2 long screws of the same size to use to hold things better in the middle stages when you have to keep tension by pulling the inner plate against the inner wall of the hull using one of the screws - longer one to make sure you can get a grip on it. Andrew you will know what I mean from our discussion on Sunday.

Steve

George Stephen replied:

should be M5 x 20 - panhead according to my Parts list.

Presumably you recommend getting a couple of longer M5 screws - eg M5 x 40 or 50?

Steve Willis replied:

Yes to the length - I just want to check my Spark to make sure they are M5 not imperial. The long screws are only for use during the swop over to prevent 'accidents'. - all to be revealed!