Rigging Problems

In the September issue of the Hi Sailor newsletter, I discuss an experience I had this summer on a friend's boat where a shroud turnbuckle bolt broke while we were sailing.  That issue of Hi Sailor will be sent out in a week.  In the meantime, I noticed several boats at my marina that had bent turnbuckle bolts which are certainly weaker than designed... and can surely break at the least opportune time.  Here are a few photos.

 The bent lower bolt in these turnbuckles were probably damaged while the owner (or a previous owner) was raising the mast after trailering the boat somewhere.  The toggle that joins the turnbuckle bolt and the chain-plate fitting probably got kinked and would not let the turnbuckle raise up into its normal sailing position.  These bent turnbuckle bolts are not necessarily noticeable - especially with novice sailors.  But, the bent turnbuckle bolts are dangerous and can lead to catastrophic mast failure.
Here are a few close-ups.

So, if you see that any of your turnbuckle bolts are bent like these, replace them at once.  You do not have to replace the whole turnbuckle... many outfitters sell just the bolts themselves.  Make sure that you get the correct thread (right-handed or left-handed) though.  Trying to screw a left-handed bolt into a right-handed barrel won't work.

Barnacle Bill Holcomb
509 993 9321
BarnacleBillHolcomb@gmail.com