Lost Pin Found in Cockpit

[phil bennett]

I found this pin on the cockpit sole of my E-33 last weekend as we buttoned up after a sail. Nothing unusual as we sailed under main and RF jib. Standing rigging seems to be ok and i couldn't find anything amiss with the steering (wheel) pedestal or engine controls.
Anybody got ideas on what this might be from. I'm not having issues (yet) but I don't think trusting to luck is a good strategy. Thanks.

 

[Dave G.]

Is that hole threaded ?

 

[Prairie Schooner]

It almost looks like plated brass. Can you tell what metal?

 

[Frank Langer]

My initial thought was a clevis pin, but I think it's a more unique piece, specific to a certain function on the boat. So I would encourage thought about what that might be. I considered a pin on the gooseneck, but mine is different, but I think it might be something like that.
Frank

 

[Loren Beach]

If not part of the steering or shifting, you might want to inspect the traveler and car and that Harken double-fiddle mainsheet system. (just guessing, tho)

 

[phil bennett]

Is that hole threaded ?

Not threaded as far as I can tell.

 

[phil bennett]

It almost looks like plated brass. Can you tell what metal?

Feels heavy like brass but I haven't shipped off the plating to be sure.

 

[gabriel]

That looks like it came from IKEA furniture . Could it be from something not related to the rigging?

 

[peaman]

That's a nasty looking hole. I would be trying to find a similarly nasty projection or end of something. I would also examine the pin for any wear marks for more clues as to function. What else in, above or around your cockpit do you have that might need such a pin? Outboard motor on the rail? Swim ladder fittings? Barbecue? Instrument mounts or cockpit table?

 

[Frank Langer]

I wonder if it slides in a track, perhaps part of the outhaul system in the boom track. Just a thought...

 

[G Kiba]

Check batten cars if you have them. I have lost pins and screws twice. One hit me on top of the head when putting in a reef. Scared the heck out of me!

 

[Dave G.]

I found this pin on the cockpit sole of my E-33

I believe your traveler/mainsheet is in the cockpit ? Be my first look see because of where you found it.

 

[JSM]

Maybe one of your neighbors has an evil sense of humor.

 

[phil bennett]

Followed up on suggestions but still nada. On the upside, sailed 2x since without evident failure... (he said ominously)

 

[Christian Williams]

Is it magnetic?

 

[phil bennett]

Is it magnetic?

Nope. And it doesn't show signs of any recent wear...

 

[Pete the Cat]

I know crew guys in the olden days who would toss a clevis pin or cotter pin on the deck of a competitor to distract them during a race. Not saying that happened, just reminded me of my racing days. I never did that, but I would sometime spin an empty winch at a mark rounding to distract our competitors. Somehow, I rationalized that was not as great a sin.