Trailer sailor shroud attachments

[Dennis Kitchen]

Here is my latest solution for attaching shrouds on my Hunter 23.5. As discussed in another thread, Hunter used 1/4 inch turnbuckles and toggles over 5/16 inch u-bolt chain plate which when pinned with the short clevis pins required for clearance with cabin side creates a tight fit that bind the the toggles and bend t-bolts when raising mast. Also, removing the clevis pins is difficult due to working in close quarters removing/replacing cotter pins or rings.
Initially I used 1/4 inch "FORGED" shackles which have a breaking strength of 3300 lbs vs 2800 lbs for the 5/32 shroud cable. The problem was that they were too narrow and pinched the toggles also, creating binding. So I up-sized to 5/16 inch "Forged" shackles and drilled the toggles out to 5/16 and spread them to to a slip fit over the u-bolts. Sprayed everything with sail-cote.
Now I have a quick disconnect system that won't bind up. When I replace my OEM rigging soon I will have it made up with 5/16 toggles and turnbuckles.
If you decide to do this I stress; "FORGED" shackles, NOT investment cast. You must meet or exceed the strength of your wire.

 

[Charisma]

Seems like a great idea, do you actually remove these for trailering?

 

[Dennis Kitchen]

Seems like a great idea, do you actually remove these for trailering?

Not always but I like to have the option if I'm going a long distance and/or trailer camping along the way. Nice to remove the clutter on deck when mast is down.
If you raise the mast up to about 60 to 70 degrees before hooking up the shrouds you can make sure they lay right without adding or removing twist in the cable. Don't stand the mast up however until the shrouds are connected as it could fall forward if the step is overloaded.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

I have seen so many thiings tried over the years with those turnbuckles.. The primary thing is to stop at about 65-70 degrees out and shake the shrouds out so the turnbuckles lay up straight. If you find the turnbuckle tang that is attached to the chain plate with clevis pin, see if the U is big enough going thru the chain plate eye and if not, bend them out a little. Also make sure the clevis pin is a littler longer too.