OOps, dismasted!

[Bob23]

A few years ago, after my 23 was hauled out at the seasons end and while we were de-rigging her, I noticed that the cleavis pin holding the forestay to the deck fitting did not have a split ring in it. I have no idea how long I sailed that summer without it but, be dang sure that I check that and all pins regularly now. I suppose it just rusted and fell out...salt water can do a number on those little rings.
Bob23

[Pamelina]

Wow, thanks everyone for your stories and advise. I don't feel quite as bad now that I know I'm not the only one who has had trouble with cotter rings.

Rick's doing a great job on the repairs. The cabin top is back in place and we're working on the compression post and ceiling. We won't have her in for this weekend, but soon!

Pam

[Citroen/Dave]

Thanks for all of your stories and advice.  "Slow Dancing" now has all new SS cotter pins.  Most that I replaced were of a too small diameter, some were well worn, and several had rusted!  Cotter rings are replaced as well.  In addition, my boat had two previous owners in Ohio where they were some distance form a Marine store. I suspect that when something fell overboard, a trip to the nearest hardware store provided a look alike item as a replacement.  Those standing rigging items, too, have been relaced with proper marine hardware.

[Pamelina]

Hello One and All! I have great news and the photos to prove it! Rick, with my modest help, has finished up the repairs from the dismasting. I'll jump right in with a before and after photo:




For someone who at first thought he couldn't fix it I think he did a remarkable job!

Now this next photo was before the he dreaded day, when we pulled out the starboard side of the overhead to remove the wet core. You can see the bolts that caused the trouble.



This CP16 is from 1976, and there was this Masonite like stuff for a core:



We pulled out all that was wet then added 1/8 resin coated plywood and coated all with fiberglass cloth and resin. What I didn't get a photo of was the forrest of 2x4s Rick had wedged in from the bunks to the ceiling to form the cabin top curve.

Now the before and after of our interior after the dismasting:



The new compression post goes all the way to the keel. I called Hutchins and Mitch ( I think) said that would be fine. Of course it's also bolted at the base through the bulkhead and a screw under the mast step.

We'll probably launch her this weekend and hopefully we can get to the pleasure of sailing after all this work!

Thanks all for your concern and advise. I too have inspected and replaced all pins and ring dings!

Pam

[slowshoes]

  That looks fantastic Pam. It would be great if you could give some details on the steps involved in the repairs that you and Rick did. Again, great job!

       Fair winds,
       Bill

[JParody]

Very nice job!  Thank you for sharing.  I hope you will have a great sail soon!
Jill

[Ivo]

Very nice work...looks good as new!

I am using split rings, but am rethinking this after reading this post.  Certainly will be checking these more often.

Previous owner used cotter pins and discovered pin missing from clevis pin attaching the forestay when we were lowering the mast.  He had the boat in the water year round so it would have been easy to overlook some things.  The pic is of the bobstay I replaced.  It did have a cotter pin in it, but...

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Ivo