Happy New Year, everybody! On my '87 H31, the lower spreaders have, over the last few years, developed cracks, about 3/4 of an inch long, at their leading edges, where they join the mast. So I've recently managed to procure a couple of brand-spanking-newly-manufactured spreaders, and I was wondering... if I eased the shrouds on one side, and then disconnected the shrouds on the other side, while supporting the mast laterally with the main haliard (attached to the toe rail a few feet aft of the mast on the 'disconnected' side), it MIGHT be possible to replace them myself, with the help of a friend or two. I would welcome the advice of ANYONE who has attempted ANYTHING this stupid. PS: OK, I know I should get a rigger to do this, or have it done at the boatyard, but then they would tell me that my entire friggin' rig needs to be replaced (to the tune of 5 or 6 grand, and then, of course, there would inevitably be another couple thou' for 'unexpected' wierd stuff), and... believe me, I'd friggin' LOVE to do exactly that, really..., but doing so would precipitate a costly divorce, so I'm basically just trying to minimize the economic impact of this project. I'll replace the rig NEXT year.... yeah... that's right, THAT'S the ticket! Thanks in advance, Rick
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Rick J
Happy New Year, everybody! On my '87 H31, the lower spreaders have, over the last few years, developed cracks, about 3/4 of an inch long, at their leading edges, where they join the mast. So I've recently managed to procure a couple of brand-spanking-newly-manufactured spreaders, and I was wondering... if I eased the shrouds on one side, and then disconnected the shrouds on the other side, while supporting the mast laterally with the main haliard (attached to the toe rail a few feet aft of the mast on the 'disconnected' side), it MIGHT be possible to replace them myself, with the help of a friend or two. I would welcome the advice of ANYONE who has attempted ANYTHING this stupid. PS: OK, I know I should get a rigger to do this, or have it done at the boatyard, but then they would tell me that my entire friggin' rig needs to be replaced (to the tune of 5 or 6 grand, and then, of course, there would inevitably be another couple thou' for 'unexpected' wierd stuff), and... believe me, I'd friggin' LOVE to do exactly that, really..., but doing so would precipitate a costly divorce, so I'm basically just trying to minimize the economic impact of this project. I'll replace the rig NEXT year.... yeah... that's right, THAT'S the ticket! Thanks in advance, Rick
Need to drop the stick
Rick: You should really drop the stick to do this. The rig needs to be tuned on the bench and re-stepped and properly aligned. Check out the H31 manual for the correct setup. You may not need a rigger, but doing this on a bench will be much easier and safer.
Rick: You should really drop the stick to do this. The rig needs to be tuned on the bench and re-stepped and properly aligned. Check out the H31 manual for the correct setup. You may not need a rigger, but doing this on a bench will be much easier and safer.
Need to drop the stick
Rick: You should really drop the stick to do this. The rig needs to be tuned on the bench and re-stepped and properly aligned. Check out the H31 manual for the correct setup. You may not need a rigger, but doing this on a bench will be much easier and safer.
Rick: You should really drop the stick to do this. The rig needs to be tuned on the bench and re-stepped and properly aligned. Check out the H31 manual for the correct setup. You may not need a rigger, but doing this on a bench will be much easier and safer.
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Rick J
Thanks Steve
I was afraid that might be the answer. That job would be WAY beyond my capabilities. In another thread, I seem to recall you recommending a boatyard in the Delta somewhere. I've used a couple of different places in the Bay over the last several years, but I haven't really been very satisfied. Plus, using a friendly place out in the Delta would give me an excuse for a fun rrip, so if there's a place you like out in your area, lemme know. Thanks again- Rick
I was afraid that might be the answer. That job would be WAY beyond my capabilities. In another thread, I seem to recall you recommending a boatyard in the Delta somewhere. I've used a couple of different places in the Bay over the last several years, but I haven't really been very satisfied. Plus, using a friendly place out in the Delta would give me an excuse for a fun rrip, so if there's a place you like out in your area, lemme know. Thanks again- Rick
R
Rick J
Thanks Steve
I was afraid that might be the answer. That job would be WAY beyond my capabilities. In another thread, I seem to recall you recommending a boatyard in the Delta somewhere. I've used a couple of different places in the Bay over the last several years, but I haven't really been very satisfied. Plus, using a friendly place out in the Delta would give me an excuse for a fun rrip, so if there's a place you like out in your area, lemme know. Thanks again- Rick
I was afraid that might be the answer. That job would be WAY beyond my capabilities. In another thread, I seem to recall you recommending a boatyard in the Delta somewhere. I've used a couple of different places in the Bay over the last several years, but I haven't really been very satisfied. Plus, using a friendly place out in the Delta would give me an excuse for a fun rrip, so if there's a place you like out in your area, lemme know. Thanks again- Rick
Having just gone through this...
Hi Rick, I just replaced the standing rigging on my 85 H-31, so I feel your pain. I would agree with Steve, it's a lot easier with the mast down. I'm not sure where you keep your boat, but I have had good luck with Nelson's in Alameda. They're about $120 each way to pull the mast. My rigger used Bay Marine in Richmond. They were a little cheaper (~$100 each way). I also have the same cracks in my spreaders (they've been there since I bought the boat 12 years ago). They haven't gotten any bigger, and they don't seem to be in the stress direction. In the end, I elected to leave them alone. One area you might look out for if you do replace them is the spreader tips. When I did mine, the rigging pins were frozen in the tips, and a couple of the tips almost disintegrated on removal. If you need to replace them, you can try Rig Rite, but I didn't have much luck with them. I ended up using a machine shop in San Diego that my rigger knew. He was only marginally cheaper than Rig Rite, but a whole lot faster and more responsive. And the tips look great! Since he's already done the pattern, maybe you can get a deal...let me know if you want the contact information. The other thing I would recommend if you have the mast down is to recondition all the masthead equipment, especially any of the instruments. The first time I pulled the mast, I ran some new wires for the lights, but didn't do anything with the wind instrument. A year later the bearings in the wind speed indicator froze up. In hindsight, it would have been smarter and cheaper to have just replaced them at the time. - Richard s/v Discovery South Beach Marina San Francisco
Hi Rick, I just replaced the standing rigging on my 85 H-31, so I feel your pain. I would agree with Steve, it's a lot easier with the mast down. I'm not sure where you keep your boat, but I have had good luck with Nelson's in Alameda. They're about $120 each way to pull the mast. My rigger used Bay Marine in Richmond. They were a little cheaper (~$100 each way). I also have the same cracks in my spreaders (they've been there since I bought the boat 12 years ago). They haven't gotten any bigger, and they don't seem to be in the stress direction. In the end, I elected to leave them alone. One area you might look out for if you do replace them is the spreader tips. When I did mine, the rigging pins were frozen in the tips, and a couple of the tips almost disintegrated on removal. If you need to replace them, you can try Rig Rite, but I didn't have much luck with them. I ended up using a machine shop in San Diego that my rigger knew. He was only marginally cheaper than Rig Rite, but a whole lot faster and more responsive. And the tips look great! Since he's already done the pattern, maybe you can get a deal...let me know if you want the contact information. The other thing I would recommend if you have the mast down is to recondition all the masthead equipment, especially any of the instruments. The first time I pulled the mast, I ran some new wires for the lights, but didn't do anything with the wind instrument. A year later the bearings in the wind speed indicator froze up. In hindsight, it would have been smarter and cheaper to have just replaced them at the time. - Richard s/v Discovery South Beach Marina San Francisco
Having just gone through this...
Hi Rick, I just replaced the standing rigging on my 85 H-31, so I feel your pain. I would agree with Steve, it's a lot easier with the mast down. I'm not sure where you keep your boat, but I have had good luck with Nelson's in Alameda. They're about $120 each way to pull the mast. My rigger used Bay Marine in Richmond. They were a little cheaper (~$100 each way). I also have the same cracks in my spreaders (they've been there since I bought the boat 12 years ago). They haven't gotten any bigger, and they don't seem to be in the stress direction. In the end, I elected to leave them alone. One area you might look out for if you do replace them is the spreader tips. When I did mine, the rigging pins were frozen in the tips, and a couple of the tips almost disintegrated on removal. If you need to replace them, you can try Rig Rite, but I didn't have much luck with them. I ended up using a machine shop in San Diego that my rigger knew. He was only marginally cheaper than Rig Rite, but a whole lot faster and more responsive. And the tips look great! Since he's already done the pattern, maybe you can get a deal...let me know if you want the contact information. The other thing I would recommend if you have the mast down is to recondition all the masthead equipment, especially any of the instruments. The first time I pulled the mast, I ran some new wires for the lights, but didn't do anything with the wind instrument. A year later the bearings in the wind speed indicator froze up. In hindsight, it would have been smarter and cheaper to have just replaced them at the time. - Richard s/v Discovery South Beach Marina San Francisco
Hi Rick, I just replaced the standing rigging on my 85 H-31, so I feel your pain. I would agree with Steve, it's a lot easier with the mast down. I'm not sure where you keep your boat, but I have had good luck with Nelson's in Alameda. They're about $120 each way to pull the mast. My rigger used Bay Marine in Richmond. They were a little cheaper (~$100 each way). I also have the same cracks in my spreaders (they've been there since I bought the boat 12 years ago). They haven't gotten any bigger, and they don't seem to be in the stress direction. In the end, I elected to leave them alone. One area you might look out for if you do replace them is the spreader tips. When I did mine, the rigging pins were frozen in the tips, and a couple of the tips almost disintegrated on removal. If you need to replace them, you can try Rig Rite, but I didn't have much luck with them. I ended up using a machine shop in San Diego that my rigger knew. He was only marginally cheaper than Rig Rite, but a whole lot faster and more responsive. And the tips look great! Since he's already done the pattern, maybe you can get a deal...let me know if you want the contact information. The other thing I would recommend if you have the mast down is to recondition all the masthead equipment, especially any of the instruments. The first time I pulled the mast, I ran some new wires for the lights, but didn't do anything with the wind instrument. A year later the bearings in the wind speed indicator froze up. In hindsight, it would have been smarter and cheaper to have just replaced them at the time. - Richard s/v Discovery South Beach Marina San Francisco
Thanks Richard! One more question:
Funny, I was just reading your post from last month on this topic in the archives. Yikes! That story, under the circumstances, gave me the heebie jeebies! Thanks for the warning! That would be a truly unpleasant surprise. Consequently, I'm thinking of having a couple tips on hand when the dirty job begins. Do you know if they were BF3-12A's? In his response to your post, Allan said that he drilled his pins out and replaced them with 1/2" bolts, so that's why I guessed 12mm. Also, what did you think of Allans suggestion regarding drilling the tips? I guess if it had worked for you, though, you wouldn't have needed to have them fabricated. The contact info for the place in San Diego, or any further information, would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks a zillion- Rick Brisbane Folie a Deux rwj86@yahoo.com
Funny, I was just reading your post from last month on this topic in the archives. Yikes! That story, under the circumstances, gave me the heebie jeebies! Thanks for the warning! That would be a truly unpleasant surprise. Consequently, I'm thinking of having a couple tips on hand when the dirty job begins. Do you know if they were BF3-12A's? In his response to your post, Allan said that he drilled his pins out and replaced them with 1/2" bolts, so that's why I guessed 12mm. Also, what did you think of Allans suggestion regarding drilling the tips? I guess if it had worked for you, though, you wouldn't have needed to have them fabricated. The contact info for the place in San Diego, or any further information, would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks a zillion- Rick Brisbane Folie a Deux rwj86@yahoo.com
Thanks Richard! One more question:
Funny, I was just reading your post from last month on this topic in the archives. Yikes! That story, under the circumstances, gave me the heebie jeebies! Thanks for the warning! That would be a truly unpleasant surprise. Consequently, I'm thinking of having a couple tips on hand when the dirty job begins. Do you know if they were BF3-12A's? In his response to your post, Allan said that he drilled his pins out and replaced them with 1/2" bolts, so that's why I guessed 12mm. Also, what did you think of Allans suggestion regarding drilling the tips? I guess if it had worked for you, though, you wouldn't have needed to have them fabricated. The contact info for the place in San Diego, or any further information, would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks a zillion- Rick Brisbane Folie a Deux rwj86@yahoo.com
Funny, I was just reading your post from last month on this topic in the archives. Yikes! That story, under the circumstances, gave me the heebie jeebies! Thanks for the warning! That would be a truly unpleasant surprise. Consequently, I'm thinking of having a couple tips on hand when the dirty job begins. Do you know if they were BF3-12A's? In his response to your post, Allan said that he drilled his pins out and replaced them with 1/2" bolts, so that's why I guessed 12mm. Also, what did you think of Allans suggestion regarding drilling the tips? I guess if it had worked for you, though, you wouldn't have needed to have them fabricated. The contact info for the place in San Diego, or any further information, would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks a zillion- Rick Brisbane Folie a Deux rwj86@yahoo.com
Mine were the BF3-10A
I think Allen has a H34, so his may be the 12mm, but my 85 H31 has the 10mm. The drilling option didn't work for me because a couple of the tips were so far gone they just crumbled when we tried to press the pins out. The shop in San Diego that made the tips for me is Harrison Marine 619-226-4976. They were about $135 each, including the anodizing. Only took about a week to get them done, so you may want to hold off until you're sure you need them (and how many). Another thought is you may not have to mess with the tips if you can get them out of the spreaders. Since you're not replacing the rigging, you don't need to remove the pin. Just pop the whole tip assembly out of the old spreader and pop it in the new one (definitely something you want to do with the mast down!). It did take a fair amount of pounding to get the tips out of the old spreaders, so be prepared to hammer away (a fiberglass mallet is a good tool to have). Good luck with the project, hope your boat survived this past week's storm, and give me a shout if you get up to South Beach. - Richard s/v Discovery
I think Allen has a H34, so his may be the 12mm, but my 85 H31 has the 10mm. The drilling option didn't work for me because a couple of the tips were so far gone they just crumbled when we tried to press the pins out. The shop in San Diego that made the tips for me is Harrison Marine 619-226-4976. They were about $135 each, including the anodizing. Only took about a week to get them done, so you may want to hold off until you're sure you need them (and how many). Another thought is you may not have to mess with the tips if you can get them out of the spreaders. Since you're not replacing the rigging, you don't need to remove the pin. Just pop the whole tip assembly out of the old spreader and pop it in the new one (definitely something you want to do with the mast down!). It did take a fair amount of pounding to get the tips out of the old spreaders, so be prepared to hammer away (a fiberglass mallet is a good tool to have). Good luck with the project, hope your boat survived this past week's storm, and give me a shout if you get up to South Beach. - Richard s/v Discovery
Mine were the BF3-10A
I think Allen has a H34, so his may be the 12mm, but my 85 H31 has the 10mm. The drilling option didn't work for me because a couple of the tips were so far gone they just crumbled when we tried to press the pins out. The shop in San Diego that made the tips for me is Harrison Marine 619-226-4976. They were about $135 each, including the anodizing. Only took about a week to get them done, so you may want to hold off until you're sure you need them (and how many). Another thought is you may not have to mess with the tips if you can get them out of the spreaders. Since you're not replacing the rigging, you don't need to remove the pin. Just pop the whole tip assembly out of the old spreader and pop it in the new one (definitely something you want to do with the mast down!). It did take a fair amount of pounding to get the tips out of the old spreaders, so be prepared to hammer away (a fiberglass mallet is a good tool to have). Good luck with the project, hope your boat survived this past week's storm, and give me a shout if you get up to South Beach. - Richard s/v Discovery
I think Allen has a H34, so his may be the 12mm, but my 85 H31 has the 10mm. The drilling option didn't work for me because a couple of the tips were so far gone they just crumbled when we tried to press the pins out. The shop in San Diego that made the tips for me is Harrison Marine 619-226-4976. They were about $135 each, including the anodizing. Only took about a week to get them done, so you may want to hold off until you're sure you need them (and how many). Another thought is you may not have to mess with the tips if you can get them out of the spreaders. Since you're not replacing the rigging, you don't need to remove the pin. Just pop the whole tip assembly out of the old spreader and pop it in the new one (definitely something you want to do with the mast down!). It did take a fair amount of pounding to get the tips out of the old spreaders, so be prepared to hammer away (a fiberglass mallet is a good tool to have). Good luck with the project, hope your boat survived this past week's storm, and give me a shout if you get up to South Beach. - Richard s/v Discovery
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