Lesson Learned & Clevis Pin for Lower Mast Sheave

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PGIJon

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Mar 3, 2012
856
Hunter 34 Punta Gorda
The Problem:

I've been updating all the electronics & lights on my h34. I pulled the mast in order to replace everything at the top of the mast. Including a Raymarine ST60 wind transducer. I also painted the mast while it was down. Anyway, once the mast was back up. I noticed a problem with the wind transducer. I was not receiving the proper voltage from the port side direction wire. The problem could only be in 1 of 2 places. The first being the transducer was faulty or most likely was that something went haywire.. (get it... hayWIRE.. anyway) with the connection at the bottom of the mast. I figured it would be easier to check the wiring at the bottom of the Kenyon mast.

I read somewhere here that one could access the wiring by removing the lower halyard sheaves from the bottom of the mast. I can do that... however the screw was seized and I figured (incorrectly) that that was the pin... Hind sight is 20/20, what a dumb thought. so wielding my trusty sawsall, I sawed right though the Pin (See attached Pic) and promptly realized that 1) I could of simply drilled out the seized screw and the sheaves and pin and everything else would have easily come out or (here is the lesson learned) I could have 2) simply asked if anyone has done this before.

Well door number 2 would have been the smart thing to do... However the smarter thing to have done would have been to ask about access to the wiring by removing the sheaves. The answer to that is... There is a plate behind the sheaves that preclude access to the wiring... If I asked about that, I could have left the sheaves alone! Doh!!!!!!!!!!

That being confessed, does any know where I can find a replacement for the Pin and assembly that I butchered?

Thanks
Jon
 

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PGIJon

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Mar 3, 2012
856
Hunter 34 Punta Gorda
In case anyone was interested in seeing what it looks like inside that area, I have attached a pic... My welder is going to fabricate a new one for $15. A very very inexpensive lesson as far as boating goes!
 

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Dec 14, 2003
1,423
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
Cheep indeed. My mistakes are generally a whole lot more expensive. Several years ago I followed an idea from Fred Ficarra and cut a window in my mast. I step and unstep the mast 3 times a year, meaning 3 removal and 3 installs. That window has been a real life saver as I can connect and disconnect without having my hands under the suspended mast. And if anything connection needs to be checked or worked on, I just remove the aluminum cover and get the faulty wire/connector out.
 

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PGIJon

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Mar 3, 2012
856
Hunter 34 Punta Gorda
Wow... That's awesome. I think I'm going to cut this access port this week. What did you use to cut the mast? Thanks for the great tip.
 
Dec 14, 2003
1,423
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
Wow... That's awesome. I think I'm going to cut this access port this week. What did you use to cut the mast? Thanks for the great tip.
Drew it up with a marker, then drill 3/8 holes in the 4 corners so as to have a radius rather then 90 deg corners, then used a Dremel to cut the aluminum in between the holes. Mast is about 1/8 thick. Got an aluminum cover for the window and just drilled & tapped 2 holes for the cover retaining screws. Perhaps you have a steadier hand than I do but I didn't care since it was going to be covered :). Good luck
 
Dec 14, 2003
1,423
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
Hi Claude... What are the dimensions of the opening. Thanks.. Jon
Tempted to say about 4" X 1"3/4 but not 100% sure. Going to the boat this afternoon and will measure and post upon returning (It may be tomorrow if I decide to stay on the boat).
 
Dec 14, 2003
1,423
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
Tempted to say about 4" X 1"3/4 but not 100% sure. Going to the boat this afternoon and will measure and post upon returning (It may be tomorrow if I decide to stay on the boat).

OK PGI I did measure the window and it is 1"1/2 X 4". Good luck with the project if you do it.
 

PGIJon

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Mar 3, 2012
856
Hunter 34 Punta Gorda
Thanks Claude... I cut it today. Ended up using a circular saw after I saw I couldn't control the rotozip. Need to touch it up and fabricate a cover. A million thanks for all you help! Jon
 
Dec 14, 2003
1,423
Hunter 34 Lake of Two Mountains, QC, Can
You're welcome. Here's a neat trick I use when stepping the mast: Get the wires coming from top of the mast out through the window. Then when the mast is upright about 8 inches from the deck, I run a short piece of 1/8" line through the window down towards the step. Tie a figure-8 knot at the low end of the line and tape the wires to be fed in the mast alongside it. Lower the mast on the step while gently pulling on the line from the end exiting through the window. The wires will come nicely through the window. Leave everything and secure the mast. You can remove the line and connect the wires at your leasure after having rewarded yourself and your help with a cold one. Have a great summer.
 
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