Warning about Suncor Mechanical Fittings

[cburger]

When I installed new standing rigging a year ago I tried out a couple of the Suncor Brand mechanical fittings to replace a couple of galled Norsemans. Practical Sailor had done such a glowing review and considering there was no splaying of the wire I decided to give them a try. Out on the mooring last weekend I noticed one of the boomkin stays had pulled out from the fitting, amazing the mast didn't come down.

So yesterday I go on Suncors website to refresh my memory about how to assemble the fitting and to my surprise Suncor has a statmenmt not to use these fittings for standing rigging on boats over 19' or above 3/16th wire diameter. This was never there before and considering Suncors are sole by many major marine outfitters I am wondering how many vessels "Over 19'" are out there sailing around with these things.

I have started a discussion with Suncor about a refund and will let the CF members know how this turns out.

[HopCar]

Which Suncor fittings are you talking about? I looked at their Quick Attach fittings and didn't see any warnings.

Can you provide a link to the warning?

[JoelVannordel]

I used the Quick Attach fittings 12 years ago on a Hunter 37. They were easy to use, very very strong. I would use them again anytime. Although I have decided to do the top connection with swaged fittings and the bottom with Quick Attach. I rerigged my Hunter 37 when first purchased. The first rigging I had done and it was easy. Anyone can just replace rigging. The real skill is changing something.

[Sailmonkey]

I did the Suncor quick attach fittings for the lifelines.........I don't thing I'd be comfortable with their attachment method for standing rigging. Too much room between the "elements" for the wire to work into.

[cburger]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Which Suncor fittings are you talking about? I looked at their Quick Attach fittings and didn't see any warnings.

Can you provide a link to the warning?

Here you go:

Product Information & Support

[cburger]

Originally Posted by JoelVannordel

I used the Quick Attach fittings 12 years ago on a Hunter 37. They were easy to use, very very strong. I would use them again anytime. Although I have decided to do the top connection with swaged fittings and the bottom with Quick Attach. I rerigged my Hunter 37 when first purchased. The first rigging I had done and it was easy. Anyone can just replace rigging. The real skill is changing something.

Use at your own risk, I will; remove the Suncor's and replace with Noreseman the inventor of mechanical fittings and still the best.

[cburger]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

I did the Suncor quick attach fittings for the lifelines.........I don't thing I'd be comfortable with their attachment method for standing rigging. Too much room between the "elements" for the wire to work into.

Mechanicals are supposed to be sealed with 5200, very simple to do, keeps the moisture out.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by cburger

Here you go:

Product Information & Support

The link took me to the main product information page so had to search but found the following statement

"Quick Attach Fittings are are not recommended for "permanent" standing rigging on boats over 19 feet or boats using wire over 3/16" diameter."

To find the document, in the search box I entered "boats over 19" which took me to the document titled "Quick Attach Information"

I have to say I find this disclaimer somewhat disturbing. Makes me glad I bought Staloks instead.

[Kettlewell]

Thanks for the heads up about the Suncor fittings! Staloks and Norseman's work great--never had a failure with one.

[cburger]

"Quick Attach Fittings are are not recommended for "permanent" standing rigging on boats over 19 feet or boats using wire over 3/16" diameter."

To find the document, in the search box I entered "boats over 19" which took me to the document titled "Quick Attach Information"

I have to say I find this disclaimer somewhat disturbing. Makes me glad I bought Staloks instead.[/QUOTE]

I have to say I am also concerned. I thought the quality of the Quick Attach fitting to be excellent, you would think if they have determined that there is an issue with the fittings that the reason for this disclaimer should be explained and be in large type predominately displayed on their website, after all; we are talking about potentially very serious safety issues.

"Quick Attach Fittings are not recommended for "permanent" standing rigging on boats over 19 feet or boats using wire over 3/16" diameter."

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by cburger

Mechanicals are supposed to be sealed with 5200, very simple to do, keeps the moisture out.

Still doesn't change the space between the wire gripping elements. And most fittings that recommend something like polysulfide, 5200 is not that.

[cburger]

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

Still doesn't change the space between the wire gripping elements. And most fittings that recommend something like polysulfide, 5200 is not that.

Not really sure what you are talking about re the wire gripping elements, either wedges on the Suncor or cones on the Norseman, any way irrelevant as the sealant get massaged into the wire end and the end of the fitting is filled with sealant, when assembled and tightened correctly the sealant oozes out the end of the fitting and then is wiped clean making what should be a completely waterproof connection. By the way the instruction sheet that is supplied with the Norseman fittings call for 5200 by name in the body of the fitting and Locktite by name on the threads.

And by the way this thread is about Suncor now indicating that their fittings should not be used on boats over 19', not about what type of sealant to use on these fittings.

[witzgall]

This may be true of some fittings, but not every manufacturer even recommends using a goop at all. Himod for instance does not.

Chris

Originally Posted by cburger

Mechanicals are supposed to be sealed with 5200, very simple to do, keeps the moisture out.

[cburger]

Originally Posted by witzgall

This may be true of some fittings, but not every manufacturer even recommends using a goop at all. Himod for instance does not.

Chris

Manufacturers give poor advice all the time, the standing rigging on my boat was very old before I replace it, when the Norsemans were disassembled there was no corrosion on any of the wire ends or inside the body of the fitting, when we installed the new wire all the fittings were sealed again.

[witzgall]

using goop on Norseman fittings may in fact be the best course of action, even if that is not what the manufacturer recommends (I have no idea). If does not then mean that is true for other fittings. They are all of different designs and it would be foolish to make the assumption that what works for one is best for the others.

A talk with a manufacturers rep would be a good idea if there is any doubt in anyone's mind as to the correct assembly method.


Chris