First 435

[Abigail Joy - First 435]

We just purchased a Beneteau First 435 with the enhanced triple spreader rig. The riggers here is Annapolis feel that it may have some intrinsic flaws. They think the cap shrouds are too small and that it would be weak up top, with a tendency to bend out instead of curving in…Before we do a major change in rig configuration, we wanted to find out if any other 435E owners have had this issue..Have they heard this from any of the riggers who have looked at their boats? Or noticed it when sailing?The boat has a centerboard and we are trying to find someone with this same keel…Another issue that has come up is that the compass needs replacement/service and we can’t seem to figure out how to remove it.ThanksNormanAnnapolis MD

 

[Randy]

no change required

somewhat the same story, I just had the standing rigging done on my FIRST 42. In the San Francisco Bay area I have a very wide choice of riggers to chose from as you do in your area. Every rigger I spoke to had a different idea on what should be done to make my rig stronger. Including getting rid of the mounting for the top shrouds where they went through the mast-head. his recommendation was to through bolt with a spacer and triditional mounting.. Then I met the guys at "South Beach Riggers" He gave me an estimate without any suggestions, and when I asked if they would change anything, his reply was that he was NOT a designer or engeneer and didnt have the qualifications to re-design my rig.. He went on to say that many hours of work went into the workings of how the mast would work and its components, and not only that, but it was a FIRST eddition, Built for racing, and designed for abuse,  Now I dont know who these guys are that are telling you that your rig is designed wrong, but Id get their references as being a designer or engeneer.Randy