Bent Turnbuckle

[Carl]

Ok I know keep your eyes on the turnbuckles when raising the mast and go slow. I did and I even tapped the wires up on the life lines but at the last second the lower port shroud slipped down and when the tension was being placed on it and it bent. So I have brand new standing rigging with a brand new bent Sta-Loc turnbuckle. My question is were can I get a replacement t-bolt for it or do I have to replace the whole thing? The spar manufacture that sold me the rigging with my new mast (don't ask) is on vacation and the person answering the phone just can't understand what I am asking ( even drew a picture). I have tried to search on Sta-Loc with little success. West Marine doesn't seem to carry that brand. I thought I saw a post that said they did and that it was on page 490 of the catalog but nope. Any help would ba appreciated. I like to get it replaced even though I am in a slip now and won't be taking the mast down very soon. Carls/v Wind Shadow

 

[Tom Wootton]

It's page 914, I think. Also....

Hunter has them, for $2 less. (I'm assuming yours are 5/16" left hand thread. I don't think the brand matters. My turnbuckles are CS Johnson; the new toggles are not.) When I replaced mine, I cut four 1" lengths of 1" inside diameter clear plastic tubing, and slid (forced) one over each U-bolt. It made the toggles harder to install, but it keeps them at the tops of the U-bolts. I know the tubing will deteriorate in sunlight, but it'll buy me a season to come up with a better way. I also hooked a bungee with a small SS hook into one turnbuckle, up over the lifeline, and down to the other turnbuckle to keep them vertical, just as a precaution. After near disaster with 2 helpers a month ago, I was able to raise my mast alone earlier this week, with no complications.Good luck.Tom

 

[Ray Bowles]

Tom, Your idea about using small bungees..

tied to the lifelines is outrageously simple and effective. I have already attached two 10" mountain bike bungees to the short mast raising shrouds on my H26 and will use it tomorrow. Great idea. Thanks.Rays/v Speedy

 

[Joe R]

DANGER DANGER DANGER

I had a bent turnbuckle fail under stress because it was bent in the mast raising process.It was a year later and under very high winds (30+), but the incident was scary.I think you can get replacements from Hunter or West Marine or your dealer.Be carefullJoe