Monday, July 15, 2019

Sabre 28: Forestay failure! ...and replacement

While out on an afternoon sail in a 15 knot breeze, our forestay failed with the genoa up.
CHAOS!  The mast held up by virtue of our lower forward shrouds.  Thank their hearts.
We quickly doused all canvas and as gingerly as we could, motored through the 2 foot chop to our slip.
The next day I rigged a temporary stay, cut the stay, disassembled the Harken furler.
It should have been obvious but under the bolt and washer, it was impossible to see a crack.
After shopping around online for chainplate fabricators.  The prices were high so I ended up ordering 316 stainless from Onlinemetals.com.
So I can leave up the mast, I will work my way around the boat replacing stays as I go.
I increased the thickness of the steel.  This is not needed but why not.
The original chainplates lasted 40 years.

The failed forestay and the new blank.  Notice the increased thickness.
The new forestay ready to be installed.  Safety line attached so I don't lose it in the drink.
The new forestay ready for action.
The new and old lower forward chainplates.  316L !