Pin size from ProFurl

[Lennie]

I bought a new NCI32 with a 1/2 inch pin. Guess what it's not 1/2 inch it is 12mm. Profurl says that's it 12mm is close enough. Seems sloppy to me and thinking of having a machine shop make the proper pin.
So what do you think? Am I being too picky? or am I right to expect a 1/2 inch pin not a 12mm?

[Doug Brown]

Hi -

I would NOT use a 12mm pin - that is far to undersize.

Depending where the pin goes (is this the one that holds the stainless steel arms onto the turnburckle and deack fitting) you can use a 1/2" bolt with washers to get the proper spacer alignment.

I did this on my boat and after 4 years of use I changed out the old bolt for a new bolt. The old bolt only had a small amount of wear on it.

I have a NC42 system which has heavier loads on it than your 32.

A word to the wise - NEVER use WD-40 or any of the liquid lubricates on the upper and lower bearings - you will wash the grease out. Just carefully inject grease into the bearings and wipe off the excess.

Profurl told me this after I had destroyed the bearing and only charged me $500 to replace it.......

Other than that, a great system.

[Sailmonkey]

if I had holes drilled for 12mm I'd use a 12mm pin. I have 1/2" pins on everything and expect pins labeled 1/2" to be 1/2" and fit tightly in the holes.

[delmarrey]

What ever the hole size is, use that. It wears better in the long run. Stay away from bolts unless your familiar with metallurgy. SS bolts come in different grades and some are soft. And never use the threaded area for shear strength!