Salt & Tarvideo
Salt & Tar: Ep.104- Stick Welding Our Hinging Bowsprit Bracket
September 10, 2020 · 20 min · 91K views · California
What this video covers
Garrett fabricates a hinged bowsprit bracket for his boat to reduce the vessel's length overall for marina slip fees.1:27 The 12-foot bowsprit extends 10 feet past the stem, and the hinge allows the assembly to pivot upward against the Samson post when docked.1:22 After an initial stick-welding attempt caused the steel bracket to warp and bow inward, Garrett takes the piece to a local shop to correct the geometry.5:05 Using a blowtorch to heat the metal and a scissor jack from a Toyota Prius to apply pressure, he bends the bracket back to the required 7 1/8-inch width.6:00 The process relies on controlled heating and cooling to manage the steel's spring-back effect. Once the bracket reaches the correct dimensions, Garrett performs minor adjustments to the bowsprit's timber end using a hand plane to ensure a precise fit against the assembly.14:47 The project concludes with a successful dry fit of the hardware.18:15
More from Salt & Tar
From Salt & Tar — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.