[Public-list] [SPAM] Re: Dismasting!

Thu Jul 13 14:25:26 PDT 2006

Michael,
  You mention that the clevis pins are smaller than the holes in the chain 
plates. This is not good. Yes, it does allow for easier movement and 
assembly, but it means point loading. The pins in the clevis should match 
the holes in the chain plates to allow a better spreading of the load.
Brian   ex#497
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Connolly" <crufone at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all" <public-list at alberg30.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 12:44 PM
Subject: [SPAM] Re: [Public-list] Dismasting!


>        Stephen,
>  Thanks for your reply.  The turnbuckles on my boat have been lubed and 
> turn freely.  I assume no galling or wear of the threads.  I was going to 
> disassemble  to inspect the threads and re-lube before reassembly.  I was 
> planning on the disassemble and re-lube each and every spring before 
> commissioning.  The clevis on my turnbuckle is in line with the tension, 
> so I wonder if an added shackle is needed to add more 'give' as you 
> mentioned.  The clevis pin is also smaller than the hole in the chain 
> plate so I thought that it could 'rock' back and forth when the boat is 
> plunging through heavy seas.
>
>  I would like to hear from others in Albergland on this issue.  Perhaps if 
> we can arrive at a consensus on the subject of  proper and adequate bronze 
> and SS fitting inspection that George can put something on the Alberg 30 
> web page or Towney can add something to the Maintenance manual.
>
>  Michael Connolly
>
>
>
> sousa_stephen at emc.com wrote:   Mike,
>
> My rigger recommended in 1997 when the rigging was replaced on #114 to
> remove and discard the turnbuckles. The newer product provides a shackle
> provide some gives when under pressure. His recommendation was to remove
> the turnbuckles since they had too much play in the threads from wear.
> Also I know there are differences of opinion, my rigger suggest that the
> average life of rigging is 10-15 years or as he states you can wait
> until the mast falls, then upgrade many items.
>
> Stephen
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: public-list-bounces at alberg30.org
> [mailto:public-list-bounces at alberg30.org] On Behalf Of Michael Connolly
> Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 11:50 AM
> To: Alberg 30 Public List -- open to all
> Subject: Re: [Public-list] Dismasting!
>
> John,
> It looks like you have taken proper precautions to prevent a
> dismasting. I wonder if there is a failsafe way of inspecting older
> bronze fittings. My boat #133 has all of its original bronze fittings
> and if I remember there is a clevis at each end of each of the
> turnbuckles, but no shackles. Did you have an extra shackle fitting
> between the turnbuckle clevis and the SS Chainplate?
>
> Sorry to hear of the damage to your boat. Do you slip at Travis
> Boatyard in Port Clinton? If so, have you seen the Alberg 30 that was
> made into a Yawl? Do you know how well that boat sails?
>
> Michael
>
>
>
> John Brugeman wrote: Michael,
>
> This mast is removed every fall and inspected every spring at launch. I
> think this was a matter of age fatigue of some of the original bronz
> fittings. I replaced wires in 1998 but some of the old shackles were
> reused because they looked great. None of the wires failed, which is
> usually the case. Always the fittings.
>
> John Brugeman, Mermaid 305
>
> Michael Connolly wrote:
> John,
> I am curious. Were all the stays and shrouds original or had you done
> any replacements? How often have you inspected the rig? When you have
> inspected all and know exactly what failed I would like to know what
> failed and where. Thanks.
>
> George will know who is making a mast extrusion that is closest to the
> original. Shipping will likely be much of the cost to you.
>
> Michael #133
>
>
>
> John Brugeman wrote: Fellow Albergers,
>
> The Mermaid (3068305) had a disastrous dismasting in Lake Erie last
> Saturday July 1st while under sail. We were on a hard port tack with
> about 10-15 knots of wind with the rail in the water. It looks like the
> upper port shroud let loose at the masthead and then the two port lower
> ones let loose. It was like a rifle shot and it was all over in a few
> seconds. The mast folded and the mast and sails dove off the boat, with
> very little damage to the deck and hull except for a couple of deep
> scratches topside. We were about 3 miles off Port Clinton, Ohio and were
> able to be towed in via Boat U.S. Needless to say, our new main came
> through without any damage, and the jib had some small rub holes in it
> which certainly can be repaired. The mast and the instrumentation at the
> head, however, were trashed and the rigging will have to all be
> replaced. There are also some rub marks on the starboard side of the
> hull where the mast was rubbing while being towed.
>
> I would like to hear some comments/suggestions from fellow Albergers who
> may have experienced this same situation. Where might one purchase a new
> mast with the same configuration, and what brand of turnbuckles and wire
> would be appropriate for replacement? The boom was not damaged, but the
> gooseneck was broken and will have to be replaced. What might one
> consider for upgrades while we have this opportunity to do some things?
> We still have a wire main halyard and most of the boat is original. We
> even have the original Kenyon instruments.
>
> We are still in the investigative stage of this accident without an
> estimate. We do have a very capable full service marina, which I am very
> confident with, handling the estimating and who will be doing most of
> the work,. Three years ago we redid the deck on this boat and this same
> marina did an excellent job.
>
> Needless to say, we are still in shock as to what happened to our lovely
> lady.
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