Warning, West Marine Dangerous Cotter Pins

[DeepFrz]

Cut one of the new ones to see if it is hollow. I don't believe that the inside could have been eaten out in 4 weeks.

[Dave22q]

first step should be replace pins using different, hopefully more reliable source. I tend to agree that the corrosion process was too rapid to just be bad steel. in fact, the quickest test might be to tru non-stainless pins and see what happens.

[mindsofman]

I have a west marine bilge pump,used to
Pump fresh water out of bilge after wash,
18months old ,,siezed
A 3 month old west marine water proof
Hand held,used at my apartment,never on
The water,,i transmit and one of the bottom
Terminals burns a hole in my hand,,west
Marine binno's got bumped ( not dropped )
Now give triple image,,,,DONT buy WEST
Marine brand products.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by mindsofman

west
Marine binno's got bumped ( not dropped )
Now give triple image,,,,

FYI, WM binoculars have a LIFETIME warranty.

Just bring 'em in (with a receipt - I always keep all of mine in my boat folder) and they'll replace them, no questions asked. I've been doing it for years now, 'cuz, well, they break - altogether too often.

If you're not near a WM store, sorry, different story.

[Paul Mazza]

Colemj, what model and when did you purchase your Maxwell windless. I just (this week) installed a new HRC 10-8. Also, in looking at the exploded parts list on my model the only circlip is on the rope drum side of the windless. Was that the one that failed on yours. I didn't think I'd need to carry those as spares, but maybe so.

[colemj]

Yes, ours also is the HRC10 and the circlip is on the rope drum side. Removing this clip allows the shaft to pull out through the gypsy side.

Maxwell sent me three new circlips, but I had already bought a new one from Mcmaster-carr. They are only $2.

Mark

[Roy M]

Martec Props sell monel cotter pins as standard equipment: refurbish.gif.

[a64pilot]

The once or twice that I've ever had to bring something back to WM, they have always looked up in the computer to confirm I bought, no need for a receipt and have refunded me the money or a replacement part.
A couple of years ago I had one of their brand name rod holders fall apart dropping a very expensive rod and reel into the bay, they even gave me the money the rod and reel. Now I'm no real WM fan as most are just a bit too "Gucci" for me, but I'm glad they are around, I don't want them gone.

I don't know if there are any Monel cotter pins, but I have used Monel wire for a cotter pin and that stuff seems to last forever.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by mindsofman

I have a west marine bilge pump,used to
Pump fresh water out of bilge after wash,
18months old ,,siezed
A 3 month old west marine water proof
Hand held,used at my apartment,never on
The water,,i transmit and one of the bottom
Terminals burns a hole in my hand,,west
Marine binno's got bumped ( not dropped )
Now give triple image,,,,DONT buy WEST
Marine brand products.

Their branded products are not made by WM so one might argue whether the criticism might be more appropriately assigned to the actual manufacturers.
Regardless, their WMbranded stuff is almost always the cheapest line of products so why should anyone expect superior workmanship at the cheapest price?

[Cheechako]

I'm thinking this is not a pin problem and you better find out what is going on. Electric boat you say? on the charger a lot? That's my vote.
I have seen a 1" SS prop shaft eaten into what looked like a piece of lace fabric in 3 months.
Also, what do you know about the shaft? is it magnetic?

[mindsofman]

Sure,you can return West marine products,
Very handy when ur cruising is done in
The ICW,,but 1000 mile offshore ? Nasty.
BUT,i still shop West Marine.

[neilpride]

China!!!!

[CSY Man]

. I'm thinking this is not a pin problem and you better find out what is going on. Electric boat you say? on the charger a lot?

Yup, on the charger quite a bit, it takes 8-10 hrs to re-charge after a 4 hr cruise.
Not sure that stray currents or electric problems would cause plain rust with the brown rust residue all over?

I did buy a shaft zink today however, and new cotter pins from a different store.
Will splash tomorrow and monitor.
(If it the rust stops I will not know if the cure was the zink, or the new cotter pin however)

[jreiter190]

Always take a magnet with you . Don't trust any stainless product. Test it with a magnet.

[rognvald]

Although, at this point, it is not certain that the quality of the SS pins is the culprit, you can buy SS pins made in the USA at this site:Cotter Pins | Pins - Mutual Screw & Supply.
I agree with Neil's implication that the majority of items manufactured in China are junk aimed at the "price buyer." Caveat Emptor. Good luck and good sailing.