Today, after launching the boat after a 9 year wait (paused when our first kid was born), we returned and I caught the mast on an electrical wire I didn’t see in the yard when trailing back to our spot. Forestay broke away from the mast. Looks like it was held on by rivets. Does anyone know how we can repair/reconnect the forestay?
Forestay Broke Away
- Thread starter Sneezewort
- Start date
As unfortunate as that is. Replacement would be your only safe option , I would drill out the rivets and start over.
Yeah I agree. The rivets all popped out so the holes are clear. Is there an adhesive I can use that would make the rivets mores secure?
An adhesive ? No. Depending on the exact location , what I would most likely do is:
Make a larger thicker plate that would cover the whole area where the forestay was previously attached .
I would remount the replacement forestay to this . You could either rivet the plate , drill and tap and use machine screws ,or use the 3M brand 5200 bonding adhesive
Make a larger thicker plate that would cover the whole area where the forestay was previously attached .
I would remount the replacement forestay to this . You could either rivet the plate , drill and tap and use machine screws ,or use the 3M brand 5200 bonding adhesive
I wouldn't say the rivets were weak. They were the failure point, yes. But undue stress was put on them via hitting the wires. Would they have failed while sailing? No one knows.
If the holes are clean and the mast extrusion isn't damaged (Pulled up around the holes) then I would replace the fitting and put new wire on, go sailing and be thankful the damage wasn't worse.
BTW, I came very close to hitting electric wires while trailering by boat to the ramp after rigging it. A very alert teenage women stopped me.
If the holes are clean and the mast extrusion isn't damaged (Pulled up around the holes) then I would replace the fitting and put new wire on, go sailing and be thankful the damage wasn't worse.
BTW, I came very close to hitting electric wires while trailering by boat to the ramp after rigging it. A very alert teenage women stopped me.
It does make me feel better that I’m not the only one who has made (or almost made) this mistake. The boat is a 1988 and I’m pretty sure the rigging is still original so now I’m wondering, how can you determine if the rigging, especially where the stays connect to the mast and boat, is ok or needs to be replaced?
We have all done dumb stuff boating. It sure beats sitting on the couch . How about posting a few photos of the farestay and the point on the mast where it used to connect ?
I would carefully inspect every part of the rigging, especially the failed part. Do you still have the fragments of the rivets? Use a magnifying glass. Look for tiny cracks and corrosion.
Since you rig and unrig it you can fairly easily bring the rigging wires to a rigging loft and have a professional examine them.
Even with nine years on the hard, you boat is still 38 years old. If your rigging is that old, perhaps snagging on that electrical line was a blessing in disguise. This might be the time to replace the standing rigging altogether.
George
George
Which boat do I you have and can you provide a photo of the mast head focused on the forestay attachment area??
@Crazy Dave Condon , according to the OP's profile it's a Precision P-18.
Precision are still in business, it would make sense to call them, tell them what happened, and ask them what to do.
Precision are still in business, it would make sense to call them, tell them what happened, and ask them what to do.
@moorglade1
Look at your standing or stainless steel rigging to determine there are no broken strands. Then look at the studs in the turnbuckle to see if you still have room for adjustment. If any strands are broken and/or no adjustment is available within the turnbuckle, time to replace instead of replacing all wires due to cost
Look at your standing or stainless steel rigging to determine there are no broken strands. Then look at the studs in the turnbuckle to see if you still have room for adjustment. If any strands are broken and/or no adjustment is available within the turnbuckle, time to replace instead of replacing all wires due to cost