Standing rigging being replaced, need advice please.

JoeQ

JoeQ

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www.use.me.uk
Hi folks,

I'm having the standing rigging replaced on my boat and although the task isn't quite finished yet I have a few concerns and would like comments on the following please.

My boat is a long range cruiser and as such requires all parts to be over specified.

The terminal ends have been reduced such that the clevis pin size is much smaller than original, this means that the holes in the fittings in the mast and the chain plates are now larger than the clevis pins. Does this mean that point loading might occur and weaken the fitting?

The hardware at the lower end of the wire has also changed from original, the replacement fittings do not look as substantial as the original and the wire terminates in a screwed stud fitting instead of an eye. This concerns me as it might make it impossible to effect a running repair without specialised equipment.

The original rigging was fitted with white plastic tubing over approx 1M to 2M at the base, this hasn't been replaced. This is of more importance at the STB split rear stay where it forms part of the SSB aerial.

The main mast shrouds were fitted with wooden rollers at the spreader tips to prevent chaffing of the genoa, these haven't been replaced.

The original fittings had toggles which were a pretty good fit on the chain plates but the new fittings have integral forks which are a bit wider than the chain plate, perhaps more of an issue as the clevis pin diameter is now reduced.

The main shrouds were 1X19 and are now 7X19

These are just some things that concern me, hopefully the forum could put my mind at rest.

Thanks.
 
From what you say it sounds as if they have used whatever came to hand rather than getting what was needed.

The breaking strength of 7 x 19 is lower than that of 1 x 19 and that alone would give me cause for concern. The rest sounds like shoddy workmanship.

Sorry I can't say anything to put your mind at rest!
 
Sounds like the rigging company has got its orders mixed up and you've got someone elses bits! I trust you have run these questions past the supplier.
 
I would also be concerned if clevis pins are much smaller than the originals. If the originals were correctly sized for the wire then smaller ones might be the weakest links in the rigging.
 
Sounds very wrong to me. If you specified like for like then that is what you should get. Hang on to your money and discuss with the company ASAP, you may need to fight your corner now but better than a mast coming down in the future.

Yoda
 
What happened at the agreement stage, was there a specification of the work to be carried out? How was the quotation worded? I think if you have this many concerns you may need to pay for professional advice. I recently had my standing rigging replaced and made sure I was involved in the choice of fitting and checked all the work before and after mast was re-stepped.
 
I can understand that you don't want to be " snowed" (is that an oz term) into believing that what they give you is good. You want to cnfirm what you suspect is that what they have supplied is not good enough.
The smaller sized clevis pins obviously is no good if the pins are smaller than the size of the bottle screws etc but I don't know if they will provide high wear point by being smaller. Possibly. Obviously smaller end fittings are lower strength.
Certainly thre use of fork end bottle screws in lieu of toggle ended screws is bad. The fork only allows for misalignment (or variation of approach angle) in one direction while a toggle will allow variation in 2 directions. Misalignment with a fork end will leave side pressure on the bottle screw thread bending it or causing stiffness.
The bottom line is regardless of whether it is strong enough if you are sailing beyond help in foul weather you don't want to have any doubts about the rigging. You need to be totally confident and if you are not then it will spoil your enjoyment. That in practice is what really matters> So tell em.
good luck olewill
 
Hi all,

As a general follow up, I paid 30% up front with 50% due on completion of installation (not paid yet) and the balance due on final tune under sail.

I have put all my concerns in writing to the company concerned and am waiting for their response.

One bit I forgot in my original post was that the furling foil has had about 6-8 inches hacksawed off as they said the new forestay terminals were now longer and interfered with it. Won't this affect the sail fitting?

Thanks for all the comments so far.
 
[ QUOTE ]
One bit I forgot in my original post was that the furling foil has had about 6-8 inches hacksawed off as they said the new forestay terminals were now longer and interfered with it. Won't this affect the sail fitting?

Thanks for all the comments so far.

[/ QUOTE ]In a word - YES

Clevis pins too small => point loading > NFG
1X19 Vs. 7X19 => 7X19 weaker therefore NFG
Turnbuckles smaller => debatable - depends on original material and new material.

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hammer.thumb.gif
"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
 
I notice that you are located near me. I hope that I do not use these people when mine needs renewed in a few years. I understand that you may be reluctant to name and shame (and PBO may have to pull the post for fear of libel) but a clue as to their identity would be appreciated by all in the Clyde area. Failing that, a PM would help me at least!

Last time I renewed the standing rigging, I did it myself, with Staylok terminals. That way I could get the wires the right length and size.
 
Until such times as Joe resolves his dispute he would be well advised to keep all details of the company concerned strictly confidential. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Knowing who Joe used I don't think you have any worries on the west coast especially in Gourock.
--------------------
hammer.thumb.gif
"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
 
The rigging company are NOT based in Scotland. But as Cliff stated, I will not disclose who they are until the job is finished.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Until such times as Joe resolves his dispute he would be well advised to keep all details of the company concerned strictly confidential. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

agreed, it would only get this thread pulled, an di for one am following it with interest.
 
One further thought. It is normal practice (in my experience anyhow) for the rigging company to return the original rigging to you when they have done with it. I'ld suggest that you make sure that you do get it back so that you can prove what the original was like, otherwise you are going to end up with your word against theirs.
 
Sounds to me as if you are being conned.

Clevice pins should fit holes.

Always use 1x19 strand on standing rigging if 7x19 is used it will streach too much.

I could add a few more comments but I am an holiday just now and it was 31 degrees today so am going out for a beer.

Be very casefull does not sound good to me.

Iain
 
I agree with all the other posters, especially the 7x19 shrouds. I did mine myself as well, with norseman fittings at the bottom and rolled forks at the top, cut it all myself with a "rotazip".
 
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