Should rigging be taped? My Catalina 27's turnbuckles are all taped, requiring removal of the tape to inspect them. On my previous boat, I left the turnbuckles untaped. I suppose the tape offers some protection from dirt and spray, but I'm guessing it also traps moisture, too. On the other hand, untaped turnbuckles would be protected only by the plastic boots at the bottom of each shroud, but by lifting the boot, each turnbuckle can easily be inspected and rinsed with fresh water. What are your thoughts? Randy
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Tom
Minimal tape
A surveyor once warned me about using covers over turnbuckles. His reasoning was that the covers tended to funnel sea spray, salt, dirt onto the one area of a swaged fitting (were the wire enters the swaging) where problems start. In the Pacific NW, he felt that rain helps to wash salt etc. off of the swaged fitting/turnbuckle. Tape over the turnbuckle would make the process of washing with fresh water more difficult. As the primary purpose of tape is to prevent a hang up of the sail on the cotter pins (resulting in sail damage), why not just tape around the pins?
A surveyor once warned me about using covers over turnbuckles. His reasoning was that the covers tended to funnel sea spray, salt, dirt onto the one area of a swaged fitting (were the wire enters the swaging) where problems start. In the Pacific NW, he felt that rain helps to wash salt etc. off of the swaged fitting/turnbuckle. Tape over the turnbuckle would make the process of washing with fresh water more difficult. As the primary purpose of tape is to prevent a hang up of the sail on the cotter pins (resulting in sail damage), why not just tape around the pins?
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Bob Carlton
Protect sails
I tape turnbuckles and other places where pins or other sharp stuff comes into contact with the jib (i.e., where the lifelines are attached to the bow pulpit) to protect the sail cloth.
I tape turnbuckles and other places where pins or other sharp stuff comes into contact with the jib (i.e., where the lifelines are attached to the bow pulpit) to protect the sail cloth.
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David Foster
Yes where boots don't work
We are on fresh water - so we tape all the cotter pins or other sharp fasteners that are not covered by boots (all on the deck. That's to protect sails and people.
We are on fresh water - so we tape all the cotter pins or other sharp fasteners that are not covered by boots (all on the deck. That's to protect sails and people.
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Jay Hill
Agree with Tom
...that you should use minimal tape. Tape around the turnbuckles just where the pins/rings extrude. This will leave about an inch of space between the top edge of the tape and the end of the groove in the turnbuckle. This allows rain or even cleaning water to rinse the turnbuckles preventing corrosion and other build-up.
...that you should use minimal tape. Tape around the turnbuckles just where the pins/rings extrude. This will leave about an inch of space between the top edge of the tape and the end of the groove in the turnbuckle. This allows rain or even cleaning water to rinse the turnbuckles preventing corrosion and other build-up.
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Justin - O'day Owners' Web
avoid trapping water
Randy, I agree with Tom, too. Its a good idea to protect your sails from protruding pins, but you don't want to trap water in there. Minimal tape will allow you to accomplish both ends. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
Randy, I agree with Tom, too. Its a good idea to protect your sails from protruding pins, but you don't want to trap water in there. Minimal tape will allow you to accomplish both ends. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
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Joe
Use cotter rings....
I started using cotter rings on the turnbuckles, seems to work as well and I can forget the tape. I use the rings wherever I can, and tape the pins.
I started using cotter rings on the turnbuckles, seems to work as well and I can forget the tape. I use the rings wherever I can, and tape the pins.
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Ken Palmer
Tie-Wraps
Last year I tried plastic tie-wraps on the turnbuckles. I had to use the small ones to fit through the holes on the threaded section. Wrapped around the body and tightened. Most lasted the year, while others had to be replaced because they broke. Advantages: Easy to install. No tape needed. Easy to remove when the mast is un-stepped. Cheap. Disadvantages: Subject to UV damage. Must inspect frequently. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
Last year I tried plastic tie-wraps on the turnbuckles. I had to use the small ones to fit through the holes on the threaded section. Wrapped around the body and tightened. Most lasted the year, while others had to be replaced because they broke. Advantages: Easy to install. No tape needed. Easy to remove when the mast is un-stepped. Cheap. Disadvantages: Subject to UV damage. Must inspect frequently. Ken Palmer, S/V Liberty
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Mickey McHugh
Cotter Rings Too
Just like Joe I've used cotter rings on an H40.5 for over 3 years with no problems and no tape on turn buckles. When I removed the tape just after buying the boat new, there was already some corrosion. Boat was at the dealership for 6 months on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Just like Joe I've used cotter rings on an H40.5 for over 3 years with no problems and no tape on turn buckles. When I removed the tape just after buying the boat new, there was already some corrosion. Boat was at the dealership for 6 months on the Texas Gulf Coast.
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R.W. Landau
Electrical conduit
Randy, I have used electrical conduit (the pvc type) and painted to match my boot stripe. They were 8' long with a reducer at the top so that it didn't rattle around. This not only protected the sail from the turnbuckle, it was a larger surface for the sail to slide against. Yes it probably added some windage but the boat was still fast. r.w.landau
Randy, I have used electrical conduit (the pvc type) and painted to match my boot stripe. They were 8' long with a reducer at the top so that it didn't rattle around. This not only protected the sail from the turnbuckle, it was a larger surface for the sail to slide against. Yes it probably added some windage but the boat was still fast. r.w.landau
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