Forestay attachment point.....

[My Mistress]

Mistress has a double forestay, which was added sometime in the past. I like the additional safety factor of this setup.

The arrangement was made out of a thick piece of aluminum stock. A close inspection has not shown corrosion or cracking.
Front side

Back side (sorry for the crummy pic)

Unfortunately, I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about that one little S/S 1/4" pin that holds it to the attaching point on the bow.

What is the stock setup? Is anyone using something with a more robust shaft?
I can only imagine the shear force this one piece is enduring under a moderate blow.

 

[justsomeguy]

What is the stock setup?

Interesting.
Stock would be a 1/4 inch clevis pin with a single forestay. Mine's with a CDI FF2.

 

[Joe]

The forestay system is only as strong as its weakest link. In most systems the pin that connects rigging to chainplate or stemhead is larger than the wire. On my boat the forestay is 3/16" the pin connecting stem head and lower turnbuckle I/4".

 

[My Mistress]

So it appears that my fears were misplaced. Has anyone upgraded to a larger pin, or seen the need to do so?

 

[Sumner]

.... Has anyone upgraded to a larger pin, or seen the need to do so?

I upgraded to a 5/16 pin but saying that have never heard of a pin shearing and breaking on one of these boats. I have heard of pins coming out for various reasons.

I have a page on my site about where I replaced the rigging...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor2/rigging-24.html

... and here is an excerpt from it that explains some why I went to the 5/16 pin ....

"I bought the new Johnson Lever through Defender Marine and it was not one they stocked, but they did a special order for it. I believe that most people are using the C. S. Johnson Model #14-205 lever. It is recommended for 1/8 inch cable sizes and uses a 1/4 inch pin. Since we were going to a 5/32nd inch forestay and wanted to go to 5/16 inch pins and turnbuckle we moved up to the. Model #14-210that is a couple inches longer and has a SWL of 1600 lbs. vs. 1000 lbs. I believe it also has a little more adjustability with extra mounting holes. You could shorten it some by cutting off the extra couple holes at the top. Going to the 5/32 forestay and heavier gear is probably overkill, but we feel good about it considering the trips we take where conditions are never know beforehand. The Johnson lever makes it easy now to pin the forestay after raising the mast and have proper tension on the forestay. If you ever pin your stock forestay and then don't tighten the turnbuckle you will not have much tension on the forestay and shrouds. I know this from using a loos gauge on our rigging. "

Sumner
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1300 miles to The Bahamas and Back in the Mac...
Endeavour 37 Mods...
MacGregor 26-S Mods...http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/endeavour-main/endeavour-index.html
Mac Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida, Bahamas

 

[prob]

Unfortunately, I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about that one little S/S 1/4" pin that holds it to the attaching point on the bow.

A little out of focus, but that appears to be a quick release pin (check for a push button on the end). If so, you definitely do NOT want that for your forestay pin - it is hollow (reducing shear strength) to allow for the release shaft. A solid 1/4" pin, end drilled for a wired safety, will do nicely.

 

[prob]

Also meant to ask... I'm not clear on how the aluminum plate mounts to the bow tang. I too like the idea of a second 'safety' forestay, and would like to see a picture when it's set up, if you could oblige.

 

[My Mistress]

Also meant to ask... I'm not clear on how the aluminum plate mounts to the bow tang.

The tang fits between the two forks, and the pin goes through from the side of the fork.
Good idea about replacing the pin. I didn't think about it being hollow.