86' Hunter 23 lower side stay turnbuckle size?

[Paladin27]

Somehow, while stepping the mast, I managed to really bend the T bolt on the port side lower stay turnbuckle. Does anybody know the exact size and/or model number, or better yet have a link to order one? ;-) I didn't think it would be so complicated to find online and didn't take enough measurements while I was out there over the weekend. Any help would be appreciated, it will save me an hour drive.

 

[Steve Dion]

Contact the HOW store they may have the specs and the part.

 

[Brian M H23]

it's a 1/4" turbuckle.

http://shop.hunterowners.com/prod.php?14321/Turnbuckle Less Stud

 

[Paladin27]

Thanks Brian! That looks exactly right! Ordered. You saved me an hour of driving tonight!

 

[Kermit]

I hope the 1/4" is correct. I think it's 7/32. I want a spare and haven't been able to find one.

 

[Kermit]

Thanks Brian! That looks exactly right! Ordered. You saved me an hour of driving tonight!

Nice to see you here again, Paladin!

 

[Paladin27]

Thanks Kermit, I'm always lurking but until it gets warm in Michigan in the spring, not much sailing activity to talk about If you watch my launch video... you might be able to surmise what happened to my turnbuckle.

 

[isaksp00]

I had a similar incident a year ago, and the cast aluminum fitting at the base of the mast twisted off the extrusion. Luckily only the rivets popped so it was easy to unbend the tube and re-rivet. I built some wood "things" that I attach to the edge of the deck with ratchet straps (under the hull), which have an eye at the top of each. This eye is at the same level as the mast step, and lets me hook stainless wire baby stays to the mast (to a chain loop just under the spreader) that helps stabilize it sideways. Not a panacea and that tall mast still requires care and feeding as you lift, but I think it helps.

 

[Kermit]

Exact same thing happened the first time my First Mate and I stepped our mast. The T-bolt survived with no problems. Last time I stepped the mast the t-bolt bent almost 90 degrees for no apparent reason. Someone posted here awhile back that securing the shroud with surveyors tape would help prevent that. I'm hoping he's right.

 

[isaksp00]

I have used electrical tape around the mast where the shroud fittings are, holding the fitting shanks against the mast, with a slit through the tape for the sail track. It is still somewhat tricky, since if there's a twist it is just going to pull the tape away - the tape only helps so they don't drop out or twist from gravity. I have seen other posts about taking the synthetic wine corks and carving them to fit as plugs into the open part of the t-ball socket. I use white tape so it is somewhat less obvious once the mast is raised.

Hoping to have the yard help me launch mine tomorrow (May 16) or Fri, so fingers crossed.

 

[Paladin27]

Wow guys, thanks for the analysis. My buddy and I have been pondering what we did wrong. I think you hit the nail on the head.... or bent the T-bolt 90 degrees.... as it were.

 

[Paladin27]

Brian, that turnbuckle you recommended was spot on. Screwed right in and looks identical to the original. Thanks again! Emily and I went out for the first time in 2013, last night! A beautiful 62 degree evening on Lake Michigan!