Re: Almost lost my mast.... operator error.

Bill Combs (ttursine@gnt.net)
Thu, 13 May 1999 22:21:07 -0500


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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> My rigger has told me a zillion times that the 95% of rig failures on
> cruisers are caused by a lost retaining ring or or cotter pin. So TAPE THEM
> ALL DOWN with rigging tape, friends, so a loose line can't whip them out or
> rough seas jiggle them out. That includes quick-pins on your forestay -- it
> only takes 30 seconds when rigging.

Being almost entirely self-taught in these areas, I apparently do some
unusual things. In this instance, I use SS bolts and aircraft nuts for
all fastenings that secure standing rigging. Not a clevis pin (nor,
obviously, cotter pin or ring) to be found. This is most assuredly
secure and inarguably faster, but does anyone see anything wrong with
it from any other viewpoint?

Regards,

Bill Combs
WWP 19 #439 (Aug 1987)
"Ursa Minor"
Fort Walton Beach FL
ttursine@gnt.net