[Public-List] Bulkheads

[George Dinwiddie via Public-List]

Michael,

On 2/5/16 8:01 PM, Michael Connolly via Public-List wrote:
> All the documented A-30 rig/mast failures to date in normal sailing
> conditions have been from four components, 1) rotten bulkheads which
> in turn cause the chain plates to rip out and bolts to fail. 2) the
> threads in the bronze turnbuckle bodies failing,  3) failures of the
> original copper Nicropress swages or other terminals on the wire and
> 4) broken spreaders.  George and Mike L if there are others please
> chime in.  It would be good for all of us to know all the known
> examples of how A-30 rigs have failed. To my knowledge rigs have not
> failed because of broken chain plates, stem head fittings, back stay
> fittings or masthead/tang fittings. Even though there is a need to
> inspect chain plates for SS crevice corrosion cracking, I have not
> heard of a rig failure on an A-30 due to strictly chain plate
> failure.

If you look at 
http://alberg30.org/pictures/CanAm2013/20130921_123632-DSC_0876.jpg 
you'll see that there are no bolts in the chainplate. This indicates 
that the bolts failed, rather than the bulkhead. That's why it's 
important to upgrade from the original 1/4" bolts.

  - George

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