A Typical Easy Boat Job

[vhoisington]

Doug, Wow!! That is not good, sorry to see the troubles. I hope your insurance takes care of it for you. It would be interesting to learn the cause of the failure.

I still have to get up my mast - probably tomorrow. I have a 4:1 pulley system that looks like it will work, secured by good climbing carribiners (sp), although I'm not crazy about my bosun's chair, it is safe and will work, just not very comfortable. and the wife can tail at the winch just to ensure I don't do something stupid. actual climb is about 12 feet, I'm pretty sure i can haul my old, fat a%% up that high

As to unstepping the mast, that would be too expensive - move 30 miles to a yard with a crane, pull the mast and then reinstall = $$$$ not this time. I can reach the radar from the spreaders and the lazy jacks will take only about 5 minutes to install.

Hopefully we can go sailing on Sunday.

 

[JamesG161]

Doug, my quick picture only analysis is...

The mast broke at the high stress points just above the spreader and at mast base.

I would suggest your standing rigging failed on the port side.

And maybe...

It was not properly tuned thus causing micro fatiguing over time, that mast should not have failed above the spreader if it was in good shape.
_______
The good news is that you were NOT under sail at the time.

Jim...

 

[justsomeguy]

This sucks! Sorry to hear this, Doug.

 

[Ron20324]

I wonder if the rigging was slacked off during layup?

 

[DougM]

It's just a guess but it looks like the port cap shroud parted and it seems to have parted near the deck. Usually at the swage. My sympathies. I hope your insurance company steps up.
You guys who go up masts, take note.

Shrouds are still properly attached. Spreaders not bent and still attached to what's left of the mast. Looks more like the weak link was the spreader attachment point. Forestay and backstays still intact. Mast failed at the rivets collapsing inward from port to starboard. As it started to collapse, the port shroud went slack, the rest is history. Mast went down perpendicular to the hull, landed on the lifelines and kinked a couple of feet above the mast step.
Winds were recorded at a steady 70mph with higher gusts.
Mine was the only boat that sustained damage.

 

[DougM]

I wonder if the rigging was slacked off during layup?

Turnbuckles are always loosened slightly during winter layup and secured with split rings so that they cannot loosen further. With the boat sitting on its keel in a cradle, it doesn't give you the same rig tension as when the hull is fully supported in the water
All I can say is when it was put away, this was the first time that the yard did the shrink wrapping. Previously, I had a canvas cover that I put on, but it finally wore out after 10 winters. I don't know,if they loosened anything to make it easier to shrink wrap

 

[jssailem]

Bummer Doug. It is always something. Usually just when your lulled into thinking that all is well. You had the yard prep the boat for winter. They the professionals were taking a care of your baby while you retreated to the warmth of the fire. Then this happens.

 

[jssailem]

Keeping with the theme of Nothing goes easy, I started to install the Autopilot. It was a beautiful sunny day here in the rain belt of Washington. So I started out at the wheel to put on the motor. All well and good till I had to take the wheel off the pedestal. Nothing would budge the nut. PB Blaster,,, wait,,, Get a 1 and 5/16 three quarter socket set with a 18 bar. That nut did not stand a chance.


Fortunately the system gives you two options for motor placement. My binnacle guard was in the way when I tried to attach the brace. So I cut off 1 1/4" of the pipe. This solved the problem. Fortunately. Neighbor had recently bought a stainless pipe cutter to make his own dodge. I tried the hacksaw on the first of three legs. The pipe cutter cut the last two pipes in less time then the hack saw did one pipe. It was magical.
Then I reinstalled the binnacle guard and cut the hole in the pipe for the power cord.

And the outside was done. Took the better part of the day. Beer and friends made the job a pleasant one. Fortunately everyone wanted to be out side enjoying the sunshine.
Now for the wiring of the system tomorrow. Then maybe I can test it out.
More to come....

 

[jssailem]

One nice discovery, I used Butyl tape to seal the holes in the deck attaching the binnacle to the cockpit sole. That stuff was great. I had to pull the bolts out of the holes once they were free of the nut and lock washer. Then it took two of us to pry the binnacle from the deck the butyl was firmlay adhered to the base of the binnacle legs. Reinstalled using the same Bed-it-tape from Maine Sail. Plenty of tack to give you a firm seal.

 

[All U Get]

I noticed the robust binnacle guard and nothing mounted on it. Ours has the cup holders, autopilot controls, serving tray, and chart plotter. My wife is going to get the iPad mounted there too and a few taps for soft drinks and juice. This last Gulf Stream crossing made her think of a lot of ways to make her night watch more comfortable.

All U Get

 

[justsomeguy]

Neighbor had recently bought a stainless pipe cutter

Hmm, create a "lending library" database of dockmates' tools they'd be willing to lend or bring on over to operate for one another.
Of course, said tools' maintenance would also be shared.

Ah, fugetaboutit.

 

[jssailem]

robust binnacle guard and nothing mounted on it.

I'm still in the consideration mode. Send pictures of the items you find essential.

 

[All U Get]

I'd like to have my iPad there and a binocular holder where the cup holders are.

All U Get

 

[jssailem]

Thanks. AUG