Mechanical Rig Fitting Photo

[knothead]

Here is a couple of photos of a Norseman eye terminal for those who think that mechanical fittings don't have the same corrosion issues that swage terminals have.

[erps]

Doh!
How old is that fitting?

[knothead]

Originally Posted by erps

Doh!
How old is that fitting?

The owner wasn't sure. He guessed 10 to 15 yrs.

[Freesail99]

Type 304, maybe not type 316 or 316L ?

[brak]

Wow, that does not look good. I have a mechanical fitting inside my furler (which is made in mid-70s), I wonder what it looks like inside. The eye outside looks fine, and rigging company was able to use it with a new forestay, but the heck I know.

[Maine Sail]

It's possible that fitting was put together with Silicone which has acids in it and are not good nor recommended for stainless mechanical fittings. It looks like crevice corrosion though..

[knothead]

Originally Posted by Freesail99

Type 304, maybe not type 316 or 316L ?

It's a Norseman. 316 stainless

Originally Posted by brak

Wow, that does not look good. I have a mechanical fitting inside my furler (which is made in mid-70s), I wonder what it looks like inside. The eye outside looks fine, and rigging company was able to use it with a new forestay, but the heck I know.

My policy is to advise against using old mechanical fitting when fabricating a new piece. Why take a chance.

Originally Posted by halekai36

It's possible that fitting was put together with Silicone which has acids in it and are not good nor recommended for stainless mechanical fittings. It looks like crevice corrosion though..

If I remember correctly, this fitting was dry when we took it apart.
It was awhile ago though so I'm not 100% sure.

[sailingdog]

Was that assembled with locktite, as is recommended by most of the major mechanical fitting manufacturers. It doesn't appear so. Loctite would probably have helped keep salt water from intruding and causing the crevice corrosion seen in the photos.

[brak]

Originally Posted by knothead

My policy is to advise against using old mechanical fitting when fabricating a new piece. Why take a chance.

Because it is a fitting that is built into the furler and cannot be removed, if I understand it correctly. To replace it I need to replace the entire furler - and since it is a system out of production, that means drum, foil and everything else. (And I doubt I'll get a furling system as sturdy as that one today - at least not for a price compatible with my budget )

[knothead]

Originally Posted by brak

Because it is a fitting that is built into the furler and cannot be removed, if I understand it correctly. To replace it I need to replace the entire furler - and since it is a system out of production, that means drum, foil and everything else. (And I doubt I'll get a furling system as sturdy as that one today - at least not for a price compatible with my budget )

Many of the Hood and Selden furling systems have integral mechanical fittings.
All you can really do is inspect it carefully and as SD says make sure you use Loctite or other thread locking compound and the proper sealant.
If a competent rigger was responsible for replacing your head stay. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.