Rigging Questions

[rdcvsmith]

Inspecting the old standing rigging now.... a few questions and some pics..

Previous owner had tape wrapped around all the turnbuckles,  after removing tape I found cotter pins used inside the turnbuckles. At first I thought the tape was odd, then I noticed that the West Marine catalog has something called "rigging tape".

1) Is the cotter pin/rigging tape method a standard or typical way?

2) Are "cotter rings" another method?

He had all edges of the "spreader boots" (?correct term?) also taped. They're pretty beat so I'm assuming they're '83 original. I did not see anything like that in the West Marine catalog (well the "leather spreader boot kits" look a lot like what I need but I really don't want to pay $50 a piece for them)

3) Any suggestions on replacement spreader boots for a CP19?, or do I just tape up the old ones again?

4) I also noticed on the Tack of both the Gib and Jenny that the previous owner had attached a short (approx 6") cable, (also tapped) (see pic) ... is this normal? Wouldn't we just normal shackle the tack to the front fitting? He must have had some reason for the extension?

I think thats it for now ..
as always, thanks,
Ray

[brackish]

1. Yes, the cotter pins keep the turnbuckles from turning and the tape protects anything that might hang up on the cotter pins (sails, flesh, etc.) They also make various types of turnbuckle covers that accomplish that task.
2. Yes, and they have some that are reusable, good for those mast lowering forward shrouds, just make sure they are big enough to do the job.
3. Most marine supply houses sell rubber spreader boots in three sizes.  I think small is the proper size.  You need to tape or strap the ends.  I went to the good will store, bought an old leather purse for five bucks and made my own.  I strap the ends with plastic cable ties then wrap the ends with magic tape (non adhesive stretch tape that binds to itself).
4. Tack extension gets the foot of the sail up from the foredeck, may make tacking the 19 a little easier, improve balance, give good sheet angles.  As long as the halyard can still get proper tension on the luff, then you are good to go with the extension.

[curtisv]

A disadvantage of tape is it traps water and promotes rust and then it hides the rust from view.

Tape is bad on turnbuckles because water runs down the running rigging and into the joint and if the tape helps keep the water in there, it will promote rust.  A common place for failure is the wire where it enters the bottom swage joint on the standing rigging.

Curtis