h23.5 standing rigging

[Bruce Little]

I have a 1993 H23.5 that my wife and I use quite frequently as we keep it in a slip, but also trailer it to distant waters four to five times per year. Although I see no evidence of wear, I am becoming concerned that the standing rigging may have reached the end of its safely usable lifespan. I have noticed that there is a slight bend in the threaded rods of the turnbuckles. I assume this is caused by not properly aligning the turnbuckle assembly with the the U-bolt to which it is connected, while stepping the mast. Most likely a beginner's error, when we first bought the boat. When sailing close hauled in 15 - 20 knot winds, the lee side shrouds also go slack. Question 1. Are the slight bend and slack shrouds clear indicators that replacement is requied?Question 2. Should I replace with the exact shrouds and turnbuckles as were soutfitted on the boat originally, or are there reasonable upgrades I should consider. Please remeber that I do intend to continue traileing the boat, so stepping and unstepping the mast will always be a consideration.

 

[Sean Coerse]

turnbuckles

I had the same problem with bending the threaded bolts that go into the turnbuckles. I did this a few times raising the mast. I ordered 10 replacements that I keep on the boat. I now use duct tape to tape the shrouds to the lifes lines so that the turnbuckles are straight up and down during mast raising. As soom as the mast is vertical they pop off the lifelines. I haven't had to use a spare in the last 2 years. Your standing rigging has probably stretched some. I wouldn't replace it yet unless there are signs of corrosion or they are frayed. Just retune the rigging. Had to do this the second season after spending the fall sailing in some preaty heavy air on the bay. Hope this helps

 

[Chris Haraway]

Leeward shrouds should go slack, but ...

The leeward shrouds are designed to slacken, due to mast bend, and this is more noticeable in higher winds. You should refer to the B&R rigging discussion in the Reference section. It provides a description of tuning, which often takes advantage of the slack on the leeward side. I also would not worry too much about a slight bend in the turnbuckle bolts. However, if the bolts are bent back and forth more than a couple of times, the structural integrity is seriously compromised. If this is the case, replace the bolts before sailing in high winds again.