swim ladder bolts

[Knot Tide]

Last yrs annual I noticed 6 of the 20 bolt heads missing that hold the 4 knee braces supporting the swim ladder. The quick fix was to knock out the broken bolts and replace, however on checking the others bolts for integrity 2 more bolt heads came off without resistance.
With a time restraint, only the 8 of the 20 bolts were replaced (using 1/4 "-20, 316 SS bolts), and 4 -1 1/4" new shaft zincs were added to the round bar of each brace, with the hope this would arrest the electrical activity.
This yrs annual inspection will determine where to go next and to what extent this is a problem. If nothing else i plan on connecting a common wire across each brace from the inside the boat and set up a zinc ground .
I suspect this could be limited to a specific marina problem the boat resides yr round and not general, however would be interested if others have experienced same and have suggestions.

 

[rick&sue]

I experienced the same issues (older R25) and replaced all the bolts, added anodes to the braces and ground them to the grounding system. I also had missing (totally eroded) bolts on the exhaust outlet. This could have resulted in taking on water if not fixed. Not sure if you have the same exhaust, but I would check those bolts also. I completed this project this past winter, so I do not have any history as to how long the repair will last.

 

[nzfisher]

Regards the screws (bolts) on the exhaust outlet. Are you talking about the screws (2) on the water side or are there other fasteners on your exhaust system? My exhaust system appears to have no bolts on the port side interior but rather a fastening collar the snugs the whole unit against the hull. I just want to make sure I am not missing anything here.

 

[knotflying]

The R-29 has a different type of exhaust. It has four bolts that screw from the outside through the hull. This is not the first time this has happened. I would make sure this is bonded to the system also.