forestay to mast attachment missing Hunter 23

[SDLars]

Got the mast raising problem solved but realized we do not have a forestay. My son purchase the boat in Virginia and it had been damaged primarily cosmetically in a storm. Looks like whatever was holding the forestay to the mast got torn out at the same time. I want to get this fixed properly so I'm back to you folks for help. I've attached a photo of what I believe to be the replacement cable for the forestay. I assume the end in the photo is to be attached to some device on the mast?
Where to get the proper parts? How to properly attach to mast? Anything else you can add.
Not as ready for the water as we thought. These prairie sailors are learning slowly, ever so slowly.

 

[isaksp00]

The T-ball fitting in your photo attaches to a matching "slot" fitting on the mast. It should be on the front of the mast (obviously), about the same height as the similar fittings on each side where the upper shrouds go. It looks like a vertical slot, with a fitting inside the mast that is riveted to the mast tube. You should be able to position the T-ball so the "flattened ball" slides into the slot, by having the wire stick straight out at right angles to the mast, then with the ball inside, twist it downwards.

When you raise the mast, tape the stays to the mast with something like paper masking tape so they don't twist out of the fitting as you raise (or use other means, like rubber t-ball plugs you can buy).

You can see what the backing plate (slot) looks like here.

 

[SDLars]

Thanks for the help. I now know what my missing part (backing plate) looks like. Now I only need to determine the size I need and how to properly attach the backing plate to the mast. Since the rivets and backing plate were torn from the mast I need to determine if I can rivet it back on or if I need to do something like bolts through the mast front to back with a backing plate on the aft side. Not sure but if anyone has a suggestion, I'm open.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Take a photo and post it here so I can take a look for you. Orginially the mast came from Z Spar but you can look up on U.S. Spars site and you will see the mast and fittings. Long story but no need to go there but US Spars is basically owned by the fellows in France who own Z Spar. As for the forestay, originally it was built by Seco South in the Tampa, Florida area.

This site forum store took over selling the Hunter parts and they do a great job here with one fellow on staff who actually worked previously at Hunter working the parts desk in a sense.

Lets see the mast first. Is there a sticker on the back of the boat to indicate the dealership where the boat originally came from. If you do not know how to post photos, then send them to me at davecondon@mindspring.com

 

[SDLars]

Will post a photo. Busy the rest of this week but will get it done. No dealer ID on the boat. Currently has Maryland registration. Thanks again for the advise and help.

 

[isaksp00]

How is the aluminum mast extrusion at the cutout where that plate goes? When it tore out, did it mangle the hole? If not, it should not be too tough to pop rivet back in a new plate.

If the mast extrusion is too badly damaged, hopefully Crazy Dave can suggest a fix. I think that through-bolting front to back won't work, as you'd be blocking the track for the mainsail bolt rope or slugs.

 

[SDLars]

I'll get that photo soon so I can get you fellows' opinions. The holes are torn enough that I wouldn't feel comfortable just re-riveting. Right now I'm thinking a reinforcing backing plate behind the functional backing plate. Actually attaching it might be a challenge.
Anyway, photos coming.