Goin' out of my Head

Ron Churgin · Post by **Ron Churgin** » Sep 26th, '08, 14:44

Hello all,

I am about to swap the old Wilcox Crittendon HeadMate out of my CD 27 for a new one of the same model. It looks so simple. Just three bolts holding the base to the deck and two hose connections.

Having experienced great difficulties in the past with simple tasks I thought I would ask for the board's wisdom in advance.

Can anyone suggest the best way to remove the bolts that hold the head to the deck? From what I can see, the bolt head is accessible and must screw into a nut below the deck. What I am afraid of is that I will loosen the bolt and the nut will fall off below the deck where I cannot reach it and have no way of retightening when I reinstall the new head. Or is it simply a lag bolt?

Any hints or tips on blunders to avoid would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

rtbates · Post by **rtbates** » Sep 26th, '08, 15:06

If it's like the 25D, and I bet it is, it's a lag bolt, that screws into the plywood substrate.

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Sep 26th, '08, 16:45

The head in my CD-30 was also lag bolted into the plywood backed base. Pretty easy to remove but doesn't seem quite up to Cape Dory quality standards. I installed a 4" inspection port just aft of the head base which enabled me to use bolts when installing the new head. You wouldn't trust less essential equipment to be screwed in place. I figured it was best to bolt my head on, Steve.

Sethrkallman · Post by **Sethrkallman** » Sep 26th, '08, 17:28

on ours, the nuts were laid into the fiberglass of the cabin sole, just turned them out.
seth

Ron Churgin · Post by **Ron Churgin** » Sep 27th, '08, 12:53

I took advantage of a drizzly gray day to replace the head instead of sail. Armed with everyone's advice, I proceeded fearlessly and the simple job actually turned out simple.

As I have learned from reading past posts, the relatively small difference in cost between a rebuild and a new head is worth it in saved time, filthy work, and superior results.

Ron M. · Post by **Ron M.** » Sep 28th, '08, 08:37

Yeah......I did the same as Steve, installed an access port below the head.
Mine was lagged originally. I was able to reach my hand in and install a backing plate,(FRP) with fender washers and nylocs, The head sits rock solid now.
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Goin' out of my Head

Goin' out of my Head

If it's like the 25D?

cd 27 head

thanks for the info