Finally got the boat wet

[JohnGill]

Yesterday I launched the Hunter 23 and moved it to the slip for the rest of the season. In doing so I learned a lot about stepping the mast and rigging. I also learned about some things I didn't think I would. One of which is that my motor mount is too high. Apparently when the PO replaced the mount it was put in too high. He filled the holes with what looks like 5200. The props are in the water and there is water flowing through it but it makes a bubble noise. Not sure if that will damage the engine using it or not.

Also I was told that I should get some type of ring pins for my turnbuckles on the standing rigging. He said it will prevent them from twisting loose. Any one have a idea as to what type of pin this gentleman was referring? Speaking of turnbuckles the lifeline going to pulpit port side needs a new turnbuckle because the PO used rope to hold it up. Not sure how I didn't notice that when I bought it but in all fairness that would not have swayed me from buying it.

Another thing I noticed was that the rudder is most likely from another bought that is bigger. I could not put the rudder on until it was floating because it was too big. I noticed that the hardware on the rudder has been relocated and Hunter 23 rudders I've seen fold up where as this is fixed.

I'm sure I will find lots of things in the coming weeks but overall I am still happy I bought it and getting experience with it.

 

[DayDreamer41]

Add one of these on the end of the threaded portion of each turnbuckle

 

[Ron20324]

I call them "cotter rings", though I'm sure there is some other name.

 

[Cowpokee]

I call them "cotter rings", though I'm sure there is some other name.

"Split ring"

 

[JohnGill]

Ah, I was thinking that may have been what he was referring to but I was overthinking it. I guess I assumed it was some mysterious boat piece that I have never seen before. The elusive turnbuckle ring that will come with another nautical term to learn. In this case nope, just a normal split ring. Thanks everyone.

 

[cb32863]

Get yourself one of these sets or similar. Keep it on the boat.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--66-piece-cotter-clevis-fastener-kit--148549?recordNum=58

For your shroud/stay pins, use cotter pins instead of split rings. It's on my list to swap out. Cotter pins tend not to move/come out.

 

[Ron20324]

Get yourself one of these sets or similar. Keep it on the boat.
For your shroud/stay pins, use cotter pins instead of split rings. It's on my list to swap out. Cotter pins tend not to move/come out.

Buy what you need and a couple spares, as most of the kit will go unused. I have used the biggest cotter rings that would fit for 12 years on my B323 for the shouds and other connections. I can stand in one spot on the deck and see that they are all in place.

 

[P100D]

I use stainless wire and safety wire pliers to twist. I just didn't like the rings. And the wire is inexpensive. The rings shown above are the norm.

 

[P100D]

How did your mast raising go?

 

[JohnGill]

P100D the mast raising went good but definitely a learning experience. I didn't use the A frame or any mechanical assistance. I had a couple people there to help me out and it wasn't too bad. I did notice after the it was all raised and the standing was tightened that rolling furler was on backwards. We used my second halyard and ran it from the trailer to the mast winch to bring it forward so I could unpin the furler and spin it around. Luckily, there was a person there who knew what he was doing and noticed the furler backwards as well as coming up with a easy way to spin it.

 

[Alansails]

John, You will have lots of FUN and every year will get better and more FUN!
CONGRATS!

 

[Dfed]

This is what I use on another boat. It's a pin riveted into velcro, insert the pin and wrap it. Note that these come in different pin sizes.
http://www.apsltd.com/sp2-scar-pin-1-16-quot-pin-8pk-gray.html

 

[PropellerHead]

Second vote for not using cotter rings (also known as ring dings). I nearly lost a mast sailing a Precision 16 with three passengers. Someone spotted the leward shroud swinging in the wind and asked "Is that supposed to do that?". Only some quick thinking by the admiral saved the day. She quickly lashed it down with some 1/4 inch double braid that we happen to have laying around and I was able so sail back. Later found the mangled cotter ring in the cockpit. My best guess is that it got snagged by a dock line and twisted off but the friction on the pin was enough to keep it in place until the first tack. No more cotter rings for me.

 

[JohnGill]

John, You will have lots of FUN and every year will get better and more FUN!
CONGRATS!

Thanks Alansails

 

[JohnGill]

Second vote for not using cotter rings (also known as ring dings). I nearly lost a mast sailing a Precision 16 with three passengers. Someone spotted the leward shroud swinging in the wind and asked "Is that supposed to do that?". Only some quick thinking by the admiral saved the day. She quickly lashed it down with some 1/4 inch double braid that we happen to have laying around and I was able so sail back. Later found the mangled cotter ring in the cockpit. My best guess is that it got snagged by a dock line and twisted off but the friction on the pin was enough to keep it in place until the first tack. No more cotter rings for me.

Thanks for the warning PropellerHead

 

[JohnGill]

This is what I use on another boat. It's a pin riveted into velcro, insert the pin and wrap it. Note that these come in different pin sizes.
http://www.apsltd.com/sp2-scar-pin-1-16-quot-pin-8pk-gray.html

What size would you use for your 23.5? The 1/16th?

 

[Dfed]

It depends on the size of the hole in the turnbuckle. I would say the 1/16 will do fine. The primary purpose is to keep a fine tuned rig at the tension settings. I tune the Hunter by feel, but would be thrilled if someone had developed a tuning guide.

 

[JohnGill]

It depends on the size of the hole in the turnbuckle. I would say the 1/16 will do fine. The primary purpose is to keep a fine tuned rig at the tension settings. I tune the Hunter by feel, but would be thrilled if someone had developed a tuning guide.

Thanks Dfed, I'll order me some.

 

[isaksp00]

I use stainless cotter pins, can't recall size. Try to get short ones, or if not available, bend the wings back and cut them off so you don't snag the sail. If you have turnbuckle covers, all you need to do is bend the wings back enough so the cover slides down. I did not realize the split rings were so prone to failure, I don't use them just because they are kind of a pain to split open to install.

 

[Meriachee]

Split rings are no more prone to failure than stainless wire or cotter pins. There should be no load whatsoever on these things as they simply secure the fixture.