What kind of turnbuckle is this?

[Mark Ferrick]

I think it is about time I replace my standing rigging on my 75 H30. However I have never seen a turnbuckle like this. The ends that are swagged to the wire and the U that attaches to the chain plate are female threaded. The center part is a long male threaded stud. Does anyone know about it? Availability? Any better / worse than a standard turnbuckle? I have search the net and just cannot find out what it is. Any ideas? Here is a photo of it ( I hope )
Thanks ...

 

[kmart]

Looks like a navtec. Have similar ones on my boat.

 

[Mark Ferrick]

Thanks Kmart. I'll take a closer look at them. It was a real mystery to me.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

That is an old Navtec-style turnbuckle from probably '70s vintage. It is heavier than standard turnbuckles and rather harder to replace. Given its probable age and your likely need for new standing rigging I would replace these with all-new. As I recall the Navtecs are also all-stainless which can facilitate galling and corrosion issues.

Consider the Hayn and CS Johnson cast-bronze ones, available through Defender and others. They are inexpensive and good-looking; and they can be had as complete a complete assembly (swage stud + barrel + toggle) or any series of parts.

For the turnbuckle ends of shrouds, etc., you do not need a toggle at the upper end (where it meets the cable). Keep it simple! But the toggle at the lower end (where it meets the chainplate) is an absolute must.

 

[Mark Ferrick]

JC, Thanks much for your response. I am sure it is the oiginal rigging form 1975, so it is time for a change. I'll take a hard look at the brands you mentioned, along with the brass vs stainless steel idea. I will try to replicate what I have, but with current parts, I.e. wire -> swagged male stud -> turnbuckle body -> male stud -> toggle and pin -> chain plate. For the backstay, I do plan on changing to a split backstay and will follow your advice here http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=147109&#post975412. Having never changed standing riggin before, I need all the advice I can get.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

Mark, I am pretty sure the factory did not use Navtec on stock Hunter models. These TBs are expensive and essentially overkill for the intended use of most family cruising boats. Looks like some PO was on an 'improvement' spree or perhaps got them on the cheap from some surplus source.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

I do plan on changing to a split backstay and will follow your advice here http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=147109&#post975412. Having never changed standing riggin before, I need all the advice I can get.

The C Sherman Johnson web page will be of great help to you in this. Don't hesitate to phone them (or me! ).