Shroud/stay maintenance

[Tim]

Last fall I bought a Pearson 28. The marine survey showed the riiging to be in good condition. What can I do to minimize corrosion at the chainplates and turnbuckles. I know some boats have plastic boots that cover the turnbuckles and some have a sealant. Anyone have any pros/cons of either system or something else?Tim ReilleyPortland, Maine

 

[Bob]

Plastic Boot Covers and Sealant

Hi Tim,I used Plastic boots to cover the cotter pins since Cotter pins cause a nasty wound. Use sealant for motion at the deck joint of the chain plate while sealing out water.Putting sealant on the SS cable / turnbuckle to prevent water from getting into the fitting is not a good idea since this can induce corrosion.Started covering the cotter pins with tape a couple of years ago with good results. Bob

 

[Ed Schenck]

Removed and replaced.

When I acquired my boat the shrouds had the vinyl covers. I removed those and was amazed at the corrosion under there. All of the turnbuckles were covered also. I removed those covers because so many insects nest up in there. I did leave the turnbuckle covers on the backstay and mid-stay just for appearance.I also removed all cotter keys and replaced with heavy cotter rings. No sharp ends. Buy the stainless split rings, they do not have an end sticking out like those in the Related Link.

 

[Tom Monroe]

swag fittings

Like a previous post, I like the split rings rather than pins. During the season, I leave everything open so I can inspect visually relatively routinely (i.e., inspect when you're down to ghosting along and bored).In the winter, I try to cover all fittings because I'm under the impression that freeze/thaw is a major problem, especially with the swag terminals.Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake