cap shrouds

T

TimStewart

Member
Joined
11 Nov 2005
Messages
31
Visit site
Has anybody replaced cap shrouds, one at a time, whilst the mast is still stepped.
I,ve got no problems changing lower shrouds, forestays and backstays one at a time, with a temporary stay rigged as a replacement, because the angles are large so the mast won't go anywhere. But when it comes to the cap shrouds the angle of a temporary shroud are too small, as it cannot run over the end of the spreader, and also it will not be doing it's job of stiffening the mast at the spreader. Has anyone got any tried and tested methods for cap shroud replacements with the mast stepped, and someone up the mast fitting them.
I look forward to your replies.
 
If you attach some halyards in place of the cap shroud (do one at a time) it should be OK for you to ascend the mast. (or at least as OK as with the cap shroud attached) good luck olewill
 
I mentioned in my opening post that I don't think that would work because of the narrow angle, and the temporary shroud running directly to deck - not over the end of the spreader. How do you run the halyard over the end of the spreader so that it will be doing exactly the same job as the shroud you are removing?
 
Suppose you were to use weights or a line ashore to give the boat a list towards the shroud you are replacing, i.e. so that it is not under tension while you replace it? You would have to do this somewhere where there is no likelihood of any wash, of course

Best check your personal accident insurance first.

Another way would be to get a yard crane driver to hoist you, or his mate, up in a bosun's chair.
 
If the mast has lowers then I don't think I would worry about the cap shrouds. The combination of the fore and back stays and the lowers will hold the mast in position and climbing the mast won't apply sufficient sidewards force to be of any concern
 
Insufficient info. How tall is the mast?
A big mast on a cruising boat would have plenty of meat to overcome the weight of a body at the top, but a lightweight racy job that relies on it's rigging may be tempted to kink if the boat rocks a bit whilst someone is up there.
It's easy to assume it'll be OK. After the event, with a kink in the mast, is a bit late.
 
I have done it on my boat, I would descibe it as exciting!

Basicly rigged the best temp stay I could, picked a calm day and kept my weight such that the load was on the remaining stay.

I think I would probally get the mast down next time however.
 
Is it dis-continuous or continuous rigging?

As mentioned above as well...if a reasonable sized mast and the lowers are on then the weight of a person up the rig wont damage or cause the mast any probs!

Lowers on and backstay cranked on the tension in the cap shrouds will be signaificantly reduced!
 
I have not changed a cap but I have changed spreaders with the rig in, therefore one cap was completely loose. I do not see there being any issues with the rig itself.

Backstay on and run a halyard to the side for added piece of mind if you want. Spreades only 'spread' load and the rig is not going to be under any load with a pesron up it compared to when sailing! I might loosen off the other cap shroud a little so it is not pulling the rig over, see how tight it feels after putting the backstay on and sight up the rig!

I have had to go up the masts of racing yachts with only the fore and backstay on and not tight! bit wobbly but more than capable of coping with my 11 stone!

Good luck
 
Another thought! I have changed dis-contiuous cap shrouds! Contiuous will be easier because of the spreader connections however I recall a memorable problem that slowed us down.

Check the end fittings of the cap, some require being inserted into a slot at a certain angle, this may require taking the new cap out to one side and forcing some bend to get your end horizantal before you can push it into the slot......if that makes any sense? on a quay at low tide will resolve this issue unless an excessive rig!

Hope that helps some more
 
Hi Trinim if you temprarily replace the cap shroud with a halyard well tensioned then your question would appear to be what is the purpose of the spreader or do you lose a lot of support without a spreader.
The middle of the mast is supported sideways by the inner side stays.
The top of the mast is supported sideways by the cap shroud whose angle of pull is improved by the spreader.
So with a little trigonometry you can figure that the angle of your halyard to the cap is less than that of the angle of the cap shroud from the spreader tip to the cap and that that diifference of angle represents a difference of sideways support at the cap. No my trig is to far lost in time to give a number. But you can see it is less.

However it is generally thought and true in practice that the sideways load on your mast head is vastly greater with sails up in a blow than with you up there.
I hope that can give you more of a calculated answer to your concern. good luck I have recently helped a friend on a Spirit 28 do the same job but no way would I go up there, I was on the winch. olewill
 
If you can swing the boom out , near enough over the beam, raise it say 30 degrees and secure the topping lift, bend a rope about two thirds of the way along it and heave it down hard to the deck and secure it, you'll find your topping lift will clear the spreader. If you are nervous about it holding its position, you can always secure a couple of preventers to it. It worked for me on a Ballerina.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top