I've got a Reg White Tornado, ca 1981. It's been in a barn for 20 years, but we've dragged it out and sailed it a bit last summer. But there's a problem (isn't there always?). When we took out the long (i.e., outer) bolt from the main beam on the port hull, it was really tough to undo...and when it came out, there were metal bits stuck in the bolt-threads. It's pretty clear that (a) the stainless galled, and whatever nut is embedded in the hull has now lost some of its threads, and (b) I'm gonna have to do something about it.

Anyone who has one of these boats know that the bolts are not only metric, they're some weird metric size -- the bolt wants a 15mm (!) socket, which might make it something like M9. Anyhow, it's amazingly close to a 3/8 UNC, so I figure that perhaps I'll replace it with that along the way. (I've already replaced all the rear-beam bolts with 3/8 UNC, since they and their nuts are all completely removable.)

My question is: Does anyone know what the internal structure is beneath the main beam? Is there a nut in there, embedded in the epoxy and other structure? Is there a tapped stainless plate perhaps? Can I perhaps come at the nut by cutting through the topsides (not the deck or beam seat -- the SIDE of the hull), remove it, and replace it with a nice shiny new 3/8-16 stainless nut, and then patch up the hole I made?

If you know the answers, or know someone who MIGHT know the answers, or you have some photos/drawings of the internal structure, it'd help me get this old thing back on the water, and give my kids a chance for a bunch of fun this summer. I'm just not too comfortable playing with it in a state where the most important bolt in the boat might fail.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer.

John