Rigging Problem

[ciswindell]

Does anyone know the exact measurement of the length of the mast on the CP23 from the bottom of the masthead to the top of the step?  All of my chainplates have a 4 inch extension that is bolted to the chainplate and then the rigging attaches to this extension.  I suspect that my mast is not factory because it looks different than all of the pictures I have seen of other CP23s.  If my mast is indeed 4 inches to long, I plan to shorten the mast.  If the mast is the right size, I guess I will have to replace the rigging or live with the extensions.  Hoping for the mast being 4 inches too long, as this is the cheapest option.

Has anyone seen an extension like I described?  I do not feel comfortable with this setup because it bends the chainplate at a funny angle and I feel that there is a possibility of it coming unbolted.

Thanks,
Chris

[Bob23]

Chris:
   Sounds wierd and I also wouldn't be too comfortable with it. I'll be over at my boat today, will measure the mast and get back on here tonight.
   In what way does  your mast look different? What year is your 23? I doubt that Hutchins changed the mast length at all over the years but masthead configuration may have changed. There might be some old-timers here at the site who would know more about this than me.
   Can you post any photos or email 'em to me?
Bob23

[curtisv]

Could it be the PO had some corrosion at the turnbuckle swage and cut them all and put the swage higher?

What idiot would consider raising the mast by four inches?  Besides me.  :-)  OK.  So what other idiot considered raising the mast by four inches and actually didi it?  And did they extend the bowsprit too?  How about add a split backstay and center the mast and forestay and backstay attachment?

If so, can't argue with the mods, just the way the stays were lengthenned.

BTW - I think its 25' but I can't measure it for you at the moment.

Curtis

[ciswindell]

I think that the PO got a mast from a different boat and just slapped it on the easiest way possible.  Right before I got it the PO had the maststep area redone because of the rotted wood problem that is so common.  Also the sliding companion way hatch is damaged.  This leads me to believe that their was a demasting and half ass slapping a mast that didn't fit was a way to sell the boat.  I bought this boat knowing it was a fixer.  This was not done as a performance mod like you did, Curtis.  The boat is a 1980, so there is no bowsprit. 

Chris

[ciswindell]

Bad News.

I just called Com-Pac and they verified that the mast is 25'.  The bad news is that my mast is 25'.  That means that I either have to replace all of the rigging, or live with the extensions.

There is a picture of the extension at this link:  https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MEHixi7kkjK4lfycBOk_ug?feat=directlink

I am not worried about the extension itself because it about twice as thick as the chainplate.  I am worried about the nut and bolt that connects the two.  I guess I will try out a stainless bolt and a lock washer.

Please give me any and all suggestions that you can.  I am looking for any advice on keeping the nut tight, possible not so obvious problems with keeping the extensions, and out of the box solutions to keep me from spending lots of money on new rigging.

Chris

[Salty19]

All I can think of is to spend lots of money on new rigging     Or cut down the mast a few inches so the extensions are not needed (I don't like that idea, but hey it's an idea).
Or you could put some very high quality bolts in there (racebolts.com is a good source) or some beefy pins.  But I guess I don't like the added points of failure (you seem to think the same).  Decisions, decisions.

Sounds like the previous owner used whatever rigging he could find that was close and put the extension in to make up the difference.

There is a Newport 17 in the local marina that has extensions off the chainplates, bolts and nuts holding them together.  I haven't asked the owner about them but it looks like a real good way to chafe up your jib sheets.   That boat has a lot of issues like this that look hastily slapped together. 

[brackish]

Chris,

Do you have all of your chainplate tangs off?  If so,think what I would do is replace them all with longer.  You should be able to have a fab shop make them reasonably.  Or go to a metal supply house and buy some SS strips maybe one size thicker and make them yourself.  Slight break at the point they angle to the mast with a vice, good to go.  I suspect that would be a lot less expensive than new standing rigging and give you some piece of mind that it would be structurally sound.  Deburr, sand, then polish, they should look great too.

[Allure2sail]

Hi:
I don't know if this will help you but I do have some chainplates for the side stays on my 27 parts boat that are 15-1/2" long. Perhaps you could eliminate the "add on" plates you have. I suspect either he used some rigging that Some one gave to him, or someone made up rigging to the wrong measurements or goofed up an would not make them over. I agree, it does looks bad. The only thing I see with the longer chainplates I have is there are four mounting bolts through the hull to mount them. The mounting holes are 2-1/4" center to center. What is the overall lenght of your plates with the extensions? Just an idea....   I looked at the picture you posted on the internet and I'm going to take a guess as to how long those plates are with the extensions. If the spacing on the mounting holes to the hull is the same as on a 27 (2-1/4") I would say those are about 10" to 11" long. How close am I?
Bruce
S/V Allure

[Allure2sail]

Someone thinks like me.......LOL. As I was writing my post someone else was posting the same idea. I was six minutes later, but then again I'm a two finger typist......

[Bob23]

My mast, which is on sawhorses in mjy driveway, is indeed exactly 25 nfft plus the masthead. Sounds like Curtis' assessment could be correct. If thats's the case, I'd replace all the standing rigging; but thats only me. Imagine, you've finally convinced that cute young barmaid at the marina to go out for a sunset sail with you. The two of you depart the dock, wine and hor derves in a wicker basket and off you go. Unexpectadly, the wind picks up and while trying to remain in control, the mast comes down, hits her on the head and she suffers amnesia, not even remembering who you are or why she's on a sailboat. Obviously, a date gone terribly wrong. I'll admit this is a worst case scenario but....
Replace the standing rigging.
Bob23

[millsy]

Or, how about using a set of link plates at each chainplate instead?  At least you can line up the load and pin each end.  Sort of a pricey option though, and having new rigging made up is not as expensive as you might think if you are going with conventinal swage fittings.

Chris
C-23 Dolce

[T]

I realize this is an old post, but here is another possibility. You could remove the extensions and replace them with a shackle and the appropriate number of chain links. Might not look too bad.

Just an idea. Personally I like the idea of new beefier chainplates.

[mrtoad]

interesting and helpful discussion concerning chainplates extensions and rigging

but - i have a important question  for "Bob23" - - you said," you've finally convinced that cute young barmaid at the marina to go out for a sunset sail with you

my question – how did you finally convince her?  Most of us old curmudgeons need this information

[Bob23]

I lie. Actually, the sweet lines of the Compac 23 do all the talking. Women appreciate beauty and unless the skipper is a Frankenstien, they will overlook the curmudgeon-ness of the skipper for a chance to be seen sailing on such a fine vessel as a 23. At least that's what I'm hoping!
Bob23