So (cutting to the chase): the reason the starboard hull looked like it was moving independently the other day was because the forward inboard bolt holding the hull to the crossbar is gone. Not sure how or when, but I'm not sure whether in replacing it I need to order the "kit" ($89) that includes a casting; or if i can get away with just the bolt, nut, and washer. My expert (Bob Bergstedt) has never dealt with this before but was not able to get a bolt started in the crossbar, but could not tell if there was a piece broken off in there.
If anybody has any experience or insight on this, please chime in!

Thanks,

Peter

I broke one of those bolts off, I think the kit is the best solution at the end of the day.

Unlikely that the bolt just backed out on its own, unless you had recently removed it. They tend to freeze in place - especially in salt water.

You need to remove the crossbeam from the boat (or at least remove that hull if the bolt is frozen) so you can see what's going on.

Forgive me if this sounds too simple, or is something you've already tried: Can you probe the hole with something of a smaller diameter? If you can't get a narrower bolt (or even just a screwdriver) in the hole at least the same length as the actual bolt, the old one is probably still (broken off) in there.

Mike

Thanks. Any idea how the kit works? The dealer sent me a picture but says it has no instructions. It comes with 5 rivets, but it's not clear what has to be riveted.

You remove the front beam and you will see that there is a threaded aluminum insert riveted to the beam. It's on the inside. You will drill those rivets out and replace the part.

Be sure to use anti-seize on the threads when you reinstall it. Don't ask me how I know.

I'm a big fan of tef-gel

The other three rivets in the kit are for the ream beam. The end caps are riveted on with three rivets.

The fun part about the front is getting the end caps off. Most often the striker rod has corroded to the end cap where it passes through.

If the bolt is broken you can just replace the bolt. This is what I did. Remove the front cross bar to see where the bolt had broken off. If you are lucky there may be enough of the bolt protruding from the cross bar to remove it using some vise grips. I had to use penetrating oil, a drill and an EASY-OUT to removed the bolt. Sometimes this is much easier than removing the end casting because the dolphin striker(stainless) has completely bonded(it passes thru) with the outside casting(aluminum). I would make sure I could get the outside casting off before I order the kit. If you just need to replace the bolt you may have to order the bolt from Hobie. You can buy the correct size stainless bolt but you may find the thread is not long enough. I used a die to extend the thread.

Thanks. Sounds like as much fun as sailing!

Thanks. I've seen a few comments about that.