Moor a Hunter 23.5?

[Needmoretime]

I have a used (and recently new to me) 1995 Hunter 23.5 which required a forestay replacement due to cable fraying at the t-ball fitting at the mast. I do moor on a buoy and have heard that because there is no backstay on this rigging that I may see premature wear at this very spot sooner than if it were NOT buoyed due to slight and constant movement. All shrouds and the forestay are set to the owners manual's specs. The forestay employs a CDI furling system. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I would check to see if the forestay within the CDI is loose causing slop. Many of these boats have been on a mooring and if tight should not be an issue with the wind as the boat is facing into the wind on a mooring. Nearly 20 years later, anything could have happened and you are smart to replace. Remember things do wear out and it is something that will occur.

 

[Needmoretime]

Thanks Dave. Now I'm trying to accomplish the nuances of tuning the mast per the manual. Once there, that should reduce or eliminate slop in all the standing rigging. Probably (much!) easier on land I'm thinkin.

 

[DJN51]

Added this to my 23.5 forestay.takes a lot of tension off t-ball fitting bye letting it move in multiple directions

 

[Needmoretime]

DJN51- That retrofit looks like it would be the best overall fix for the top of the forestay. I'm going to keep the photo when the cable needs replacing again.
We're you experiencing a problem at the swaged t-ball/cable intersection as well?

 

[KrustyKrab]

Welcome, Needmore...

I keep my 23.5 on a mooring too. It's 20 years old, but the last 9 it was "moored" in my driveway. Just got her back in the water last week. I've had no standing rigging issues yet, but I don't use a furler. And it is a whole lot more challenging to raise the mast on the water than on asphalt, darn stinkpot boaters and their wakes :cussing:

Some preemptive advice, check her for leaks from above. I have moisture and outright puddles in multiple places. Need to rebed the deck hardware this offseason. Enjoy your new boat!

 

[DJN51]

Needmore.I had a few broken strands at t-ball was going to replace anyway cause of age.Another 23.5 owner recommended this and agreed with him.wasnt expensive and was done by rigger by lake Champlain.Send me message I can give you contact info

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

DnJ1;

If any wires on the shrouds are cut or you have a question about the studs at the cable connections, I always advised my customers to get a new cable made. One fellow disagreed on a cut cable. I told him one strand goes, others will not to mention the ripped sails and cut hands as a result of that broken strand. Well, he did not listen and both happened before replacing the cable.

Broke at the stud on a forestay, the first thing of course is to replace the forestay and also tighten up that forestay to insure it is taugnt.

 

[DJN51]

Dave,Ive owned 3 different boats and Ive always changed out shrouds after 15 yrs no matter how they look.you can,t see metal fatigue.Rather be safe than sorry.I know you say you helped with the Hunters but have you ever owned one.Selling them and owning one is a lot different.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

DNJ1;

Not only have I been sailing for 54 years but owned American Marine & Sail Supply, inc selling nearly every major brand to include Hunter, Catalina and Beneteau and knew all the owners too. As for sailing, I was involved with many boats and sailed them. There are items in use today which were suggestions of mine. Besides selling, I serviced and repaired many boats even doing pioneer work as well teaching others. Part of my dealership on sales included teaching which I did quite a lot and in addition raced against many winning nearly every time. I use to take stock Hunter water ballast out of the box and beat those high end expensive racing sailboats and even well known individuals.
As for the 23.5, I was involved from the first day of inception to include picking up the first and last one from Hunter selling nearly 20-25% of the production line. I can sail and repair them in my sleep. Therefore, I know boats and please do not every question me again sir.

 

[KrustyKrab]

Dave, where does one get new stays and shrouds? I don't know anyone locally (northern Chesapeake area) who does this. Does any company sell them online, "out-of-the-box", pre-made and ready to hook up and go?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Seco South in Florida whose phone is 727.536.1924 originally made the rigging. Contact is Jean. She is still working for them and has specs.

However, I suggest you contact the site store to see if they can make them for you. Look up on the top left portion of the page under store

 

[Kermit]

However, I suggest you contact the site store to see if they can make them for you. Look up on the top left portion of the page under store

http://shop.hunterowners.com/cat.php?51283/Standing Rigging Parts

 

[DJN51]

Dave I wasnt questioning your knowledge at all, just wondered if you ever owed a 23.5 .Sorry you took it wrong

 

[KrustyKrab]

Thanks Dave & Kermit. I was hoping that someone sold them pre-made, you know like Amazon.com for sailors, where I could just click "1 - forestay for Hunter 23.5" please. But, otherwise, I want to support this site if they can make them. Thanks again, you guys are Great!