My forestay, which utilizes a furler, has at least 2 frayed cable strands at the top. Being new to all of this, I am pretty sure I want to replace the forestay, but being in the Peterborough area, it looks like my choices for a rigger are limited. There is a Chandlery in Wisbech that appears to be able to do it, or I could use one of the online riggers. Does anyone have any experience with this?
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David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Hi David
I got a local rigger to make one when mine needed replacement. I took them the old one and said "one like this please!". I don't know about online riggers, it's a straight forward job, but my concern would be getting the length absolutely correct. I suppose you could send the old one for them to copy, but that would incur extra postage.
Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight
Rick,
Thanks for the advice. I think I have a couple of options. I wish I knew how critical it is to fix before the first sail.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I sent my original forestay cable to Aladdin's Cave by post and had it upgraded from 3mm to 4mm. It wasn't expensive from memory about £28.00 or so.
Their details are on the internet.
if you rig a line from the mast (typically an unused job line?) to the pullpit guardrail, if the forestay breaks, the line will keep everything up. a common addition. One or two strands its unlikely but you never know. ideally needs to have a swivel there. as de rigging tends to bend it severely if not careful.
You could also consider Jimmy Green online rigging shop
Mike
(ps I wouldn't risk sailing with known damage to the forestay. Ask yourself - if it kills you would you feel stupid or just the victim of bad luck? Anyway - fair winds when you do get on the water! :D
I have just discovered that I have the same problem so will detach the part from the furler and go to TS Rigging in Maldon Essex in the next two weeks to see if thy can make me a new one. I found them on the web and as I am moving to the River Blackwater in April, they will be convenient to me.
Will let you know how I get on if you can wait that long.
Simon Armitage
Sowenna
26M
Yes , make sure you get you forstays and shrouds checked guys. Mine when as I crossed Torbay on a Mac rally ..fortunately a tail wind kept the rig up. Fortunately a local rigger in Dartmouth sortedme out and I upgraded to 4mm for all lines after that. ...also use an extra line ....for spnnaker and security....ensure it fixes welll clear of the furler otherwise it can snag your foresail.
PS I believe the damage happens if the rigging gets bent when we rig/derig.
Roly
While on this subject, can anyone tell me if I need to replace one of the spreaders? The starboard spreader is straight but the port side is slightly bent near the mast end, with no surface cracking or any obvious signs of stress; almost as if it's intended to be that way. Is this something I should worry about, and how easy is it to find a replacement if need be?
You can straighten them out if you have the right gear otherwise they are easy to make using the old one as a guide. If you can't get anodised aluminium tubing, jUst spray normal aluminium with a lacquer or varnish. I made 2 from a £10.00 bit of tubing
Good Luck
Simon Armitage
Sowenna (26M)