Backwards masthead

[dkrizek]

Howdy,

I am recently purchased a Beneteau 393 and the surveyor noted that the topping lift was abraded and diidn't have a clean run through the masthead block. I don't do heights....and my friendly rigger states that the masthead seems to have been installed backwards and that the masthead needs to removed (along with wireing, lights, windex, etc.) and rinstalled at a cost of lots of labor. Any thoughts/coments about installing a turing block at the masthead and running the topping lift outside the mast?

 

[DougM]

If the masthead fitting isimproperly attached, the backstays would not be connected properly either. Sounds like it could be an issue that needs correcting. Something is not right. I would not go with a bandaid approach on this.

 

[Rick I]

Very strange. Hard to imagine this happening. How are the backstays attached?

 

[Jackdaw]

Hmm. The surveyor told you that and you bought it anyway??

Anyway.

The masthead MAY be install-able backwards, I don't know. If it can it has the same basic fitting on both sides. I'd call US Spars and ask them. See the kink below for details on your Z601 masthead spar.

http://www.usspars.com/boat-information/?vendor=Beneteau&model=OC+393#section-display

 

[dkrizek]

Thanks Jackdaw for the link to the schematic. I talked to Rick @ U.S. Spars and he thinks it's the small roller on the back of the mast and not the masthead installed backwards. It's now back to my friendly rigger.

Also, yes I bought the boat anyway after the price was re-adjusted based on the results of the survey.
Thanks,
dennis

 

[Jackdaw]

Thanks Jackdaw for the link to the schematic. I talked to Rick @ U.S. Spars and he thinks it's the small roller on the back of the mast and not the masthead installed backwards. It's now back to my friendly rigger.

Also, yes I bought the boat anyway after the price was re-adjusted based on the results of the survey.
Thanks,
dennis

That makes a LOT more sense. Rick at USspars is a good guy. They will help you get sorted. Have your rigger take pix if is the least bit unsure. Send them to rick for his expert insight.

 

[Rick I]

Here's what I got from the 393 site.


Anything can happen in manufacture….I ran the US Spars factory for 12 years and
made all the OC393 masts, if the head was on the wrong way the headstay and
backstay would not connect so it would be found before the mast was installed.
The front of the masthead (part number 1026) has a toggle for the eye of the
forestay to connect, the backstay has a receptacle for a stemball fitting, there
is also a spinnaker loop protruding out the front above the forestay toggle.
There should be a small roller in the back of the head to divert the boom lift
out of the head. Both main and boom lift run over a series of 4 sheaves in a
casting that sits on top of the masthead casting, the main then goes back inside
the mast and shackles to the halyard swivel and boom lift runs over the roller
and out. If you can get someone to go up and take a couple of photos I can tell
you if the roller is damaged or if something else is broken. Hope that helps.

 

[astegall11]

I think you need a new rigger