Spring-loaded clevis

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Jul 3, 2010
1
Hunter 23.5 Blaine, WA
After a delightful sail on Semiahmoo Bay yesterday, we put in to the marina. I needed to unfurl the CDI furler at the dock. As the sail rolled out, the OEM spring-loaded clevis pin holding the forestay in place let go and the mast began falling!! Fortunately the boom somehow wedged between the stanchion port-side aft end of the cabin and the gunwale, and stopped the mast from dropping more than about twenty degrees. No one got hurt, but I am seriously wondering about this style of clevis. Has anyone else had this happen?
The pin is very convenient and easy to use when stepping mast, but what a cost!! The potential for damage to crew and nearby boats was huge! Not impressed with this little convenience.
 
Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
Maybe it's not a stock pin or just fatigued. Pics help. Not a great way to end a nice day but I'm sure glad it didn't fail on the water and that nobody was hurt. Makes checking the rest of the standing rigging a real necessity.

I've added a safety clip in the forestay pin for our 260 with a folding closure. It's a system worth it weight in gold for a trailer sailor.

M&K
 

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May 6, 2004
196
- - Potomac
I change that clevis every spring. I've got six spares and I've never lost the mast (knock on wood). A two dollar insurance policy....
 
Aug 9, 2005
825
Hunter 260 Sarasota,FL
I assume from your description that the forestay pin sheared off? If so, thats a failure nobody wants. SS has varying degrees of quality. Maybe the source is an issue.
 
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