Hi All,
My name is Andy Dunbar and I have just acquired a composite / GRP Twister. I live in Sovereign Harbour, Eastbourne and Tumbler was based here and will move a few hundred yards to her new berth. I am looking forward to sailing her (not going astern) and the usual upkeep and 'tinkering'. I think I'm very lucky to have her.
I have two questions (so far), has anyone replaced their mask chocks and the last survey said replace the standing rigging because it was 14 years old - that seems the strength of the evidence. Is that too old or a knee jerk?
Welcome to the TCA Andy.
I replaced my mast chocks many years ago with new ones made of teak. As far as I can remember I temporarily glued 4 blocks together to form a square. mounted it on a faceplate in the lathe and bored out a hole of slightly larger diameter than the width of the mast. Then separated them and coated them with epoxy. Being teak they didn't really need any preservative treatment but I don't like the look of weathered teak (in fact the weathered epoxy looks worse!)
10 years seems to be the life expectancy of standing rigging for insurance purposes. I doubt there is any scientific basis for this, since the conditions to which the rigging is exposed differ from boat to boat, eg some have their mast down during the winter. But if your insurer insists on it being replaced after 10 years you have to comply, or find a less demanding insurer.
Hi Andy,
Welcome from me too. The question of rigging life is a vexed one and the straight standard 10 year parameter bears no relationship to miles covered or type of use. If your insurers are insisting then you have little option (or you'll be uninsured!). If not I would examine the whole rig carefully. Wire almost always fails at the entry to a swage terminal or at a stress point like a spreader end. Look for any signs of significant rusting and for broken strands. Also has the wire ever been kinked? This may not show when tight but will be obvious when slackened off. We examine our rig at the beginning of every season, not just the wire but particularly the stainless attachment tangs and any welds thereon. Better safe than have a failure at what will be the most awkward moment.
Hi Andy!
welcome to Twisterland. We got a new rig for Samuru first thing after we bought her [2019]. We also got a new stuffing box. We feel confident that those two 'risk factors' are brand new and professionally done.
As well as this forum - are you also in the Twister facebook group? I ask selfishly - we are likely sailing via Eastbourne / Sovereign Harbour over the bank hol weekend - would be good to get local knowledge / meet a fellow Twister while we are there!
best wishes,
Charlie
Hi All,
Thanks for all your replies and welcomes. I was thinking of trying to make the chocks out of resin somehow or find someone with a lathe. And yes I guess the standing rigging needs doing. Does anyone have any idea of price?
Charlie I have responded to one of your Facebook posts.
Regards
Andy
Hi Andy,
A chap called Craig Bond email: bryer2004@hotmail.com renewed my rigging last year - here's his quote:
To remove all of the old rigging including removing the old Forestay from the furling gear, replacing all with new including Sta Lok rigging screws and returning to dress the mast and fit the new Forestay into the furling gear comes out at £697.00 (No vat to add).
He's based on the East Coast, but might be prepared to travel... Don't know...
He also did a very good job of replacing the spreader sockets.
Welcome!
Crispin
Wow, only 700 quid mine was over double that and a few years ago now. There is probably a debate about wire gauge in the archive somewhere. As to mast chocks , they do not have to be elegant just stop the mast moving . I made a template with a toilet role tube saw chisel and file
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