Gunnel clip bolt needed for 1930 OT Guide leeboard thwart

[PMK]

I have a complete OT leeboard thwart from 1930, except that it is missing one of the bolts that clamp it to the gunnel. I have the wing nut for the bolt, but not the L-shaped bolt.

Does anyone have one, or know a likely source?

I will also need to choose a sail and recreating spars for it, but one step at a time!

Thanks,

Paul Kelly

 

[Benson Gray]

The quickest and easiest solution is to buy a long bronze bolt that fits your wing nut, cut off the hex head, and bend the end over to make it an L-shaped bolt. The other option is to find an old motor bracket and scavenge the hook bolts or clamps from it. The newer clamps have a better system with more surface area than an L-shaped bolt.

Another option is to have some made. The pictures at http://dragonflycanoe.com/otacc/ may help. Bob Lavertue of the Springfield Fan Centerboard Company might have some. See http://www.wcha.org/buildsupply/ma.php for his contact information. Good luck,

Benson

 

[PMK]

Benson,

Last summer, Jim Clearwater got me an OT gunwale clip bolt. It has a slight bend in it, but I'll try it. But I think you are right about more surface area being better.

Just started the renovation of the canoe yesterday.

Paul

 

[Treewater]

If you have a spare, that is one, rudder gudgeon (spelling?) that is the part that fits on the caone, I'll trade for the needed leeboard bolt.

 

[PMK]

Sorry, Treewater, my canoe never had gudgeons, so must have been steered with a paddle.

Paul