Kerr-Chunk!
That's the sound as the load shifted from port to starboard shrouds as we tacked in 25 knots of wind with the main reefed and the jib flying.
The only immediately noticeable change was that the mast was out of column and it seemed best to take down sail and motor home, we were close in any event. After the sails came down it was clear the starboard upper shroud had appreciably lengthened as it was flopping loose even as the port shroud was pulling the mast out of column.
I immediately thought of the discussions on this board about failure of the starboard shroud attachment to the bulkhead. I looked and came away puzzled as none of the evidence one would expect was present.
This morning in daylight I found that the turnbuckle barrel was the culprit. It had jumped its threads by about 2 inches on the shroud screw and an inch on the deck toggle. This hardware was replaced 5 years ago and acquired from a very reputable chandler. It has seen this degree of load every season since then. On at least an annual basis it has been inspected and adjusted. I can only offer that this barrel appears a bit looser around the screw then the new one that is replacing it.
Needless to say I'm a bit stumped and caution all sailors to check their turnbuckles. A LOT!.
Shroud turnbuckle failure
Moderators: Tim Bosma, Tom Elsen
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yves springuel
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 2:02 pm
Shroud turnbuckle failure
Yves Springuel
Illusion
#234
Illusion
#234
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Bob Kirsten
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 3:55 pm
- Location: Farmington Hills, MI
Turnbucke failure
Thanks Yves,
It reminds us to check these more often. Did you replace with the same turnbuckles as the original? Mine are not the typical open barrel, but you turn the central nut, which is threaded up and down into the females. They bend easily, especially when raising the mast. I have my upper honked up a bit on starboard and it is harder to get the last turns. I'm thinking I better switch that one to the lowers. My boat is 1986 and still original shrouds, etc. I wonder if it might be time to replace? DD Mau has always been fresh water, but what do ya'all think?
Bob Kirsten
DD Mau
It reminds us to check these more often. Did you replace with the same turnbuckles as the original? Mine are not the typical open barrel, but you turn the central nut, which is threaded up and down into the females. They bend easily, especially when raising the mast. I have my upper honked up a bit on starboard and it is harder to get the last turns. I'm thinking I better switch that one to the lowers. My boat is 1986 and still original shrouds, etc. I wonder if it might be time to replace? DD Mau has always been fresh water, but what do ya'all think?
Bob Kirsten
DD Mau
They are faily cheap to replace and then you would have a spare if something happens in the future. We have had to replace our inners more than I thought we would because of fraying, I was glad to have a spare.
Jeff Mootz #250 Skyhawk
Jeff Mootz #250 Skyhawk
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