Com-Pac Yacht Owners Association

Com-Pac Model Specific Discussions => Sun Cats and Sunday Cats => Topic started by: RubberDuck on May 23, 2025, 07:06:13 PM

Title: Why is the tack pin so insecure?
Post by: RubberDuck on May 23, 2025, 07:06:13 PM
I just noticed that my Sun Cat's sail throat is attached to the gaff with a pin. See the attached pictures. I think it's called a tack pin, and it's probably this one: https://dwyermast.com/tack-pin-small/. It caught my attention because the sail corner was almost detached from it. Looking at it closer, I don't understand how this is even remotely a good idea to use a pin that can rotate and pull out by itself. How do I make this more secure? Replacing the small pin that prevents the tack pin from pulling out with a cotter pin seems like a bad idea as the cotter pin might rip the sail.
Title: Re: Why is the tack pin so insecure?
Post by: bruce on May 23, 2025, 08:31:21 PM
Yeah, not the most secure fitting, but it can be moused with monel wire as you would other critical fittings. They're useful for situations where the sail is removed frequently. I doubt that's the case for any Sun Cat.

You could also replace the roll pin with a ring ding, as Dwyer used on the gooseneck swivel also seen in your photos. That would reduce any concern you have that the sail could catch on it.
Title: Re: Why is the tack pin so insecure?
Post by: RubberDuck on May 23, 2025, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: bruce on May 23, 2025, 08:31:21 PMYou could also replace the roll pin with a ring ding, as Dwyer used on the gooseneck swivel also seen in your photos. That would reduce any concern you have that the sail could catch on it.
That is a great suggestion, thanks! For anyone else looking at this, these rings are also known as cotter rings.
Title: Re: Why is the tack pin so insecure?
Post by: Niantic Mike on May 24, 2025, 09:11:40 AM
I'm using a 1/4" stainless steel bolt