Hunter 240 - replacing chainplates and deck fittings?

[Slowboat314]

I'm the happy owner of a new-to-me '98 Hunter 240. I had a great first season on her but rushed a little to get on the water and log enough days to take some bigger boat courses this winter. She has a lot of deferred maintenance and I want to get her to the point of being trustworthy for multi-day trips at lakes farther from home.

The standing rigging is the age of the boat and probably overdue. A few stanchions are also a little loose. I'm planning on replacing all the standing steel cable/swaged fittings and turnbuckles since a couple have minor damage and all are over 25 years old. I'd like to do the chainplates, mast step and tighten up the stanchions at the same time for completeness' sake, but can't figure out how to access them. Before I take a saw to the interior shell and start making access panels, I'm hoping to ask - a) Has anyone done this job? And b) Should it be done at all?

I plan to keep this boat for a while as she's the perfect size for our local lakes, so I don't mind investing a little into making her safe and solid.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

You will get more responses on the hunterowners on small boats. However, I will be glad to help as a former dealer who sold that boat. Where are you located?

 

[Slowboat314]

Just who I was hoping to hear from! We have a few other Hunter owners at our marina who mentioned you by name as THE person to speak to about these boats. I'm located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Can you identify the mast mfg by stickers or boom. Take photos of shroud turnbuckles.

there are encapsulated aluminum plates encapsulated in the fiberglass that are drilled and tapped which should include tightening the screws for the stanchions. However, Hunter used 5200 sealant. Carefully remove screws. Clean off the screws of 5200 and reseal with 100% silicone

Once I get your information, I will advise where to send rigging unless there is a rigger close to you

Crazy Dave

 

[Rich 35.5]

This is just my personal opinion, but if the standing rigging isn't obviously damaged, why bother to replace it? You are on an inland lake, not crossing the Indian Ocean. Same for chain plates, if its not broke, don't fix it...

 

[Slowboat314]

I can't access the boat over the winter as the marina closes off all access after October 15th. I didn't see a sticker on the mast when I was packing it up but I do have a spare forestay (the only standing rigging the last owner replaced) and one of the shrouds at home that I can photograph. I think the turnbuckle is integrated with a 3/8" t-toggle at the deck fitting but will confirm at home today. I'll also see if I have any useful pictures of the mast.

If the plates are encapsulated and tapped I should just be able to follow the threads to remove residual sealant and reseal/tighten, right? Does that apply to the shroud attachments as well? If something is loose after this is done I assume I could tap it a size larger? It might be a silly question on a boat, but is there a torque spec or stretch bolt procedure?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I sent you a private message. Did you get it?

 

[Slowboat314]

This is just my personal opinion, but if the standing rigging isn't obviously damaged, why bother to replace it? You are on an inland lake, not crossing the Indian Ocean. Same for chain plates, if its not broke, don't fix it...

Three reasons:

1) Some parts do have obvious damage - bent toggles, a kink in one shroud, corrosion at the spreader connection, etc. the stanchions are loose to the touch. The boat has seen some things in 22 years and I don't know precisely what. Part of the question is how deep do I dig for more damage.

2) The odds of dying in a badly-maintained boat here are certainly low, but the odds of breaking stuff that will be more expensive or ruining sailing for my wife/kids are high. I plan to do some more trips to bigger lakes this coming summer as well, which are more remote. 5km from the nearest shore might be 25km from the nearest road or marina and out of cell/VHF coverage. Preparation and spare parts become important in that scenario, especially with kids on board.

3) Our neighbor lost a mast in a squall this year due to an old forestay turnbuckle failing. It happens.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Slowboat314

There is a lot to discuss which is why I sent you a private message asking for your phone number. I have arthritis to deal with in my hands

 

[SteveHughessails]

Hi Slowboat314
Just thought I’d let you know I too am a new owner of a Hunter 240. We had it out on the water once this year. I’m currently going through all the rigging too. Contemplating the purchase of a Loos gauge for final setup. I’m in the Okanagan just north of Kelowna. I’m replacing bent toggles, new forestay, halyards etc.

Great to know someone else
Cheers
Steve

 

[Slowboat314]

@Crazy Dave Condon I sent you my info via PM. Thanks!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@Slowboat314

I talked with the poster but was waiting on the identification of the mast and boom. His boat is in winter storage without permission to access his boat. I suggested he ask for permission to view the mast only from the marina and advise as there were three mast manufacturers for the 240 with different standing/wire rigging packages.

Multiple photos were sent to me showing a.T Toggle bent and severely bent shroud. Further, the poster advised there was little room left for adjustment in tuning. Standing rigging needs to be replaced since it has stretched overtime although it has been as suggested to only replace what is only a few pieces. The decision should be left up with the poster as the cost for a complete standing rigging kit Is $900 USD without freight. That kit does include turnbuckles and t toggles but I am not sure abut the forestay halyard and main halyards.

The forestay where it attaches to the mast was not clear as to what held II fast; therefore a clearer picture is needed. The black rubber snubber piece was discontinued that kept the forestay held fast in the mast. Anyone know what replaced it?

Picture shows a wind vane turned but the poster is aware of that.

I am waiting to find out if the poster has determined which mast he has

Dave