From time to time we read posts about the shackles (turnbuckles)getting caught on the chain plate "U" bolts resulting in them bending. Well after just 5 minutes and a peice of high pressure hose and eight zip ties I have solved the problem for ever. All you do is buy a length of hose with an inside diameter the same as the thickness of the "U" bolts and cut it into eight lengths (about 3/4 of an inch long) and then slit down one side. Push it over the "U" bolt (under the shround) and secure with a zip tie. Repeat on each one! We have used this set up now for several months and not once have we had a problem.
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Would you post a picture of this?
I only drop the mast a couple of times a year for traveling but it does seem that there is an opportunity for improvement in this area. Do you mind sending a picture? I am having trouble visualizing your solution. Thanks, Doug
I only drop the mast a couple of times a year for traveling but it does seem that there is an opportunity for improvement in this area. Do you mind sending a picture? I am having trouble visualizing your solution. Thanks, Doug
I will try.
In the past I have scanned a sketch for I haven't a digital camera. Hope the forum managers do not mind this approach?
In the past I have scanned a sketch for I haven't a digital camera. Hope the forum managers do not mind this approach?
Sorry Doug didn't work
Can you give me your email and I will send it through. Perhaps you are in the owner directory?
Can you give me your email and I will send it through. Perhaps you are in the owner directory?
bungee
I have tried different methods especially after having a slightly bent turnbuckle fail under high load. The best method I have found so far is to bungee the 4 turnbuckles to the lifeline while stepping or lowering the mast. It keeps the hardware and side stays straight during the maneuver. Then the bungees are easily remove and everything looks pristine.... No hose or bread ties or tape or any foreign object to detract from the natural beauty of the equipment. Try it, you'll like it. Joe
I have tried different methods especially after having a slightly bent turnbuckle fail under high load. The best method I have found so far is to bungee the 4 turnbuckles to the lifeline while stepping or lowering the mast. It keeps the hardware and side stays straight during the maneuver. Then the bungees are easily remove and everything looks pristine.... No hose or bread ties or tape or any foreign object to detract from the natural beauty of the equipment. Try it, you'll like it. Joe
Done that Joe
But it gets to be a fag after a while for we step the mast every weekend and often during the week. These little pieces of hose can hardly be noticed and it is a permanent fix. No looking for bungees!
But it gets to be a fag after a while for we step the mast every weekend and often during the week. These little pieces of hose can hardly be noticed and it is a permanent fix. No looking for bungees!
I hear you
I use a slip and only go through the ordeal twice a season. So I understand the convenience of the permanant fix. I spent 2 or 3 seasons with the turnbuckles tied with material. (it looked much worse than your method) And you dont have to remember to set the bungees (up down up down up down OK now finish the maneuver) I dont think I ever managed to do every thing right without having to partialy retrace the proceedure. Joe (enjoy the new season)
I use a slip and only go through the ordeal twice a season. So I understand the convenience of the permanant fix. I spent 2 or 3 seasons with the turnbuckles tied with material. (it looked much worse than your method) And you dont have to remember to set the bungees (up down up down up down OK now finish the maneuver) I dont think I ever managed to do every thing right without having to partialy retrace the proceedure. Joe (enjoy the new season)
I wish Joe
We have near on perfect weather down under for about another 3 months and then into winter. On the South coast looking out onto the Southern ocean (of course) winter is pretty dam rough and almost totaly unpredictable!! Guess you guys are heading toward summer now?
We have near on perfect weather down under for about another 3 months and then into winter. On the South coast looking out onto the Southern ocean (of course) winter is pretty dam rough and almost totaly unpredictable!! Guess you guys are heading toward summer now?
I just used tie wraps
One each U bolt I put six tie wraps. Three go on each side ot the turnbuckle. Now it stays in the center and doesnt bend. I haven't bought a shackle since then.
One each U bolt I put six tie wraps. Three go on each side ot the turnbuckle. Now it stays in the center and doesnt bend. I haven't bought a shackle since then.
Hey Mark
Yes, we are getting ready for the new season. Up here (Lake Michigan near Chicago) we have about 10 - 12 weeks to go. Right now you guys have all the action. Plus the America's Cup should go into final rounds soon in New Zeland. I seriously considered moving to Australia twice in my life. Once in the early 70's and again in the early 90's. Always have had some regrets. Enjoy what's left of your season and stay clear of that crazy cold water at the bottom of the earth. Joe
Yes, we are getting ready for the new season. Up here (Lake Michigan near Chicago) we have about 10 - 12 weeks to go. Right now you guys have all the action. Plus the America's Cup should go into final rounds soon in New Zeland. I seriously considered moving to Australia twice in my life. Once in the early 70's and again in the early 90's. Always have had some regrets. Enjoy what's left of your season and stay clear of that crazy cold water at the bottom of the earth. Joe
Another shroud fix
In reading the various fixes for the toggles on shroud turnbuckles I decided I would take a shot at an idea I had for a fix. From the picture you can see I used the hose idea that Mark suggested , but instead of splitting the hose, I just fit a 1.25" ID, reinforced hose over the "U" bolt. Then to keep it from sliding up I put a #8, 1.5" SS bolt and lock nut through the middle and screwed it tight. The hose extends up about 2 inches past the end of the "U" bolt and gives lots of support to the turnbuckles, while still allowing lots of play. I'll put additional pictures on the photo/project page and my sailing web site. Brigg
In reading the various fixes for the toggles on shroud turnbuckles I decided I would take a shot at an idea I had for a fix. From the picture you can see I used the hose idea that Mark suggested , but instead of splitting the hose, I just fit a 1.25" ID, reinforced hose over the "U" bolt. Then to keep it from sliding up I put a #8, 1.5" SS bolt and lock nut through the middle and screwed it tight. The hose extends up about 2 inches past the end of the "U" bolt and gives lots of support to the turnbuckles, while still allowing lots of play. I'll put additional pictures on the photo/project page and my sailing web site. Brigg
Attachments
Now thats a good idea Brigg
Only thing with the one I came up with is that there is no need to undo the shrouds.
Only thing with the one I came up with is that there is no need to undo the shrouds.
True
True, but you only have to undo them once. I'd like to see a picture of how yours came out, since I borrowed your idea. By the way, thanks. Brigg
True, but you only have to undo them once. I'd like to see a picture of how yours came out, since I borrowed your idea. By the way, thanks. Brigg
One More Suggestion
Next time the boat is in the driveway I think I am going to remove the U bolts and slide a piece of hose over each end to hold the T bolt in the middle. That should fix the problem, for the life of the hose anyway. Same idea as Mark but no zip ties I just need to figure out what hose to use.
Next time the boat is in the driveway I think I am going to remove the U bolts and slide a piece of hose over each end to hold the T bolt in the middle. That should fix the problem, for the life of the hose anyway. Same idea as Mark but no zip ties I just need to figure out what hose to use.
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