Pelican hooks on guardwires could be a problem.

[TSB240]

Just a warning to anybody who doesn't regularly disconnect their guardwire pelicans.

I was starting to replace our wires today and found that even when the pelican was released it could not be disconnected from the Pushpit.
It appears to have tightened up so that the entry gap closest to the hinge point is tighter than the diameter of the pushpit mounting. Levering it open with a screwdriver took some time . Application of brute force on the wire did nothing.
This could have had an implication when trying to recover from a POB..

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kccffssk76is8q9/IMAG0819.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/866ybz5b9g47klm/IMAG0820.jpg?dl=0

 

[Thistle]

I'd suggest that the hook and fitting were not properly matched in the first place. A bigger hook required.

 

[bitbaltic]

If you need to drop the guardrails then you almost certainly need to do so in a hurry because events are off plan. Much easier to cut a Dyneema lashing then if all is successful lash it back up again afterwards. Pelicans go on gates but not guardrails for me.

Cheers

 

[MoodySabre]

I use the quick release versions as shown here http://www.baselinemarine.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=39&cat=Pelican+Hooks

 

[NormanS]

I use the quick release versions as shown here http://www.baselinemarine.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=39&cat=Pelican+Hooks

So do I.

 

[Len Ingalls]

How about not hanging fenders from guard wires,thereby, not stretching them or possibly ripping the guards off the boat.
Install a couple of inexpensive "plastic" 4" cleats on each deck edge,where fenders usually are reqd.
Just a thot-Cheers / Len

 

[kolster]

My Pelican hooks are lashed to the pushpit so you can release the guard wires either way.

 

[TSB240]

I use the quick release versions as shown here http://www.baselinemarine.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=39&cat=Pelican+Hooks

Thanks for posting that link. Old boat had the quick release a better design all round.
Your picture of a new one of the type on our boat clearly shows how much ours has deformed.
I only posted originally to alert similar owners of a potential problem. Thank you to all the other positive contributions and advice.

 

[charles_reed]

How about not hanging fenders from guard wires,thereby, not stretching them or possibly ripping the guards off the boat.
Install a couple of inexpensive "plastic" 4" cleats on each deck edge,where fenders usually are reqd.
Just a thot-Cheers / Len

Under load, the tail chafes through on the deck/hull angle.

 

[Spirit of Glenans]

Just a warning to anybody who doesn't regularly disconnect their guardwire pelicans.

I was starting to replace our wires today and found that even when the pelican was released it could not be disconnected from the Pushpit.
It appears to have tightened up so that the entry gap closest to the hinge point is tighter than the diameter of the pushpit mounting. Levering it open with a screwdriver took some time . Application of brute force on the wire did nothing.
This could have had an implication when trying to recover from a POB..

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kccffssk76is8q9/IMAG0819.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/866ybz5b9g47klm/IMAG0820.jpg?dl=0

I don't think guard wires are meant to be that tight. A small amount of slack is normal.

 

[TSB240]

I don't think guard wires are meant to be that tight. A small amount of slack is normal.

Guard wires are slack even before undoing Pelican . The problem is not the wire being to tight to undo the pelican. This is why I posted this as a potential problem for other users of the same design.