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Target9000 · 07-10-2012, 22:09

Today we took apart some of the bow sprit as we start to rerig our boat. One of things I found is that the very front fitting on the end of the sprit that connects the whisker stays, forward stay, and bobstay has some enlongation of the holes. I am no expert in stainless steel and I'm seeking input on how bad it is for this to happen.

The "fins" on this piece are quite thick.

Thoughts?

**minaret** · 07-10-2012, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Target9000

Today we took apart some of the bow sprit as we start to rerig our boat. One of things I found is that the very front fitting on the end of the sprit that connects the whisker stays, forward stay, and bobstay has some enlongation of the holes. I am no expert in stainless steel and I'm seeking input on how bad it is for this to happen.

The "fins" on this piece are quite thick.

Thoughts?

I'd be more worried about the pin that goes in that hole. Does it have a big low worn in it? The cranse iron is probably still good for awhile.

Target9000 · 07-10-2012, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by minaret

I'd be more worried about the pin that goes in that hole. Does it have a big low worn in it? The cranse iron is probably still good for awhile.

I left it at the boat and would have to go back and look. Regardless, all the pins are getting replaced.

Maxs · 07-10-2012, 22:32

Is the pin the same diameter as the hole?? Or a much more smaller diameter??

savoir · 07-10-2012, 23:18

If that pic shows several years' wear then I'd say the fitting was in good shape.

Maxs · 07-10-2012, 23:32

The toggle footprint seems to be a very small one for that hole diameter. Also, it seems to be off center. That's why I thinks that it has a different pin diameter.

Target9000 · 07-10-2012, 23:42

Don't have the pin on me but I believe it is not the same size as the hole. I know that can be problematic in some cases, but what about this one?

Should I keep this piece or have the whole thing remade. We're talking about another substantial piece of change for this so if it works as is I'd like to stick with it.

**delmarrey** · 07-10-2012, 23:45

You might want to clean it up with scotch-brite and PT (die penetrate test) it to see if there are any micro cracks, just like one would do with chain plates or turn buckles.

sabray · 07-10-2012, 23:56

Not a metallurgist by any means.,
Seems you have it in hand as such you could bring It to a local tech for analyst to evaluate. Other then elongated hole I see pitting tword the stressed side. Also it's a welded fitting and the condition of the weld could be a concern. From the pic there is discoloration where it seats on the sprit. Possible crevice corrosion. Given its function I would be weary as to its health.

Richard5 · 08-10-2012, 00:11

As has been mentioned, it is the pitting that is most worrisome. That is a stress riser. Also keep in mind that stress increases expontential to the point of failure. That is, a given amount of deformation over a given amount of time is not a good indicator of future life.

**Ex-Calif** · 08-10-2012, 01:26

To me it depends what you are doing at the current time. If you are replacing all the other standing rigging I might be very tempted to replace.

If you are cleaning things up and marking down items for a potential future repair/replace I would clean it up and put it back and have a look in a year or two. It is also tough to tell the thickness from the photo - that is also a driver for me.

gjordan · 08-10-2012, 07:55

This is from another non expert, but since there seems to be plenty of strength(lots of metal) in that fitting i would consider taking it to a machine shop and have it reamed out to a size or two larger and have the bobstay made up with the new size fitting on that end. Before that I think the dye penetrant check is important. Just a thought! _____Grant.