Forestay Length

jacksonboat · #1 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009

HI , have a 31.5 Hughes Columbia (1982) and am trying to find the forestay length (and if possible the backstay length) to have it (them) replaced - forestay seems to be broken inside furler foil.

Is there a resource online for this - any info would be appreciated.

mitiempo · #2 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009

Try this site (Columbia Owners) for help.
Columbia Yacht Owners Association

Brian

knothead · #3 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksonboat

HI , have a 31.5 Hughes Columbia (1982) and am trying to find the forestay length (and if possible the backstay length) to have it (them) replaced - forestay seems to be broken inside furler foil.

Is there a resource online for this - any info would be appreciated.

It's really not a good idea to have new rigging fabricated using specs that you get from anywhere except from the old rigging.
Especially on a boat from 1982.

Remove the furler, pull the wire out of it, hold the broken ends together if necessary and measure it.

scottyt · #4 (**permalink**) 08-16-2009

or use your halyard to pull up a tape to measure it, then use a stalock/norseman etc to finish the length if your furler will let you use a non swag fitting

jacksonboat · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

The problem may have been that the forestay was too long and wrapped itself around the halyard - not sure yet. But I can't get it repaired until I havea measurement to give to the guy re-rigging it. Additionally it appears that I will have to de-step the mast as well - this is quickly turning into a major headache - but all is meaningless if I don't have a correct length or specs.

Columbia owners site doesn't actually even refer to my boat which is worrisome

knothead · #6 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacksonboat

The problem may have been that the forestay was too long and wrapped itself around the halyard - not sure yet. But I can't get it repaired until I havea measurement to give to the guy re-rigging it. Additionally it appears that I will have to de-step the mast as well - this is quickly turning into a major headache - but all is meaningless if I don't have a correct length or specs.

Columbia owners site doesn't actually even refer to my boat which is worrisome

You need to do a little research about halyard wrap. The halyard wraps around the headstay if the angle between the halyard swivel and the forestay is less than about 15 degrees or if the halyard swivel is too low.
With the proper use of what is called a halyard restrainer or sometimes a pennant placed between the tack and the drum or between the halyard swivel and the head of the sail and sometimes both, halyard wrap can be prevented.
Please, Please, contact a reputable local rigger. He should be able to secure the mast with a spare halyard or even a line thrown over the spreaders and remove the furler and headstay. He will then replace the wire in the furler and reinstall it. There should be no reason to unstep the mast unless there is more to the story that you've not revealed.
Even if you get a reliable headstay length from the internet. Someone is still going to have to remove the furler and install the new wire.

I repeat. The only good forestay measurement is the one you get from the old forestay.

knothead · #7 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

jacksonboat,
Please let me help you through this. I've been doing this stuff for a living for a long time. If you would like, send me a PM and I will give you my phone number and we can speak directly.
I think you will need to make one more post to PM however.

jacksonboat · #8 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

Thanks knothead, this a real pain for me.

I certainly am having a professional do this. Problem with getting at this from the mast for the rigger is that I have a main halyard for him to get up in the bosuns chair and then another halyard for security, but don't have another to let the furler down. the halyward for the furler itself is acting in place of the forestay right now.

you can email me your number if you wish at xxxxxxxxxx not sure your time zone but appreciate any advice.

thanks

knothead · #9 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

If there is a shortage of spare halyards. The simple solution is to hang a couple more.
If you have a spinnaker bail, the rigger can hang a double block from it and there you have two spares.

You might want to edit your previous post to remove your email address. SailingDog, can explain why. But I think you may be opening yourself up for problems.

PM me. Or just keep posting. Posting is probably better so that others can chime in.

knothead · #10 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009

Even if there is no spin. bail, you can attach a double block to the end of one of the halyards that you have available. You get at least one more available to use then.

If the mast has forward lower shrouds, then you really don't need to be too concerned about the mast falling.

If you don't, as I mentioned before, throw each end of a line forward over the spreaders on each side of the spar. Take them forward as far as you can and secure them to the rails on each side of the bow as tight as you can. Then take a separate line and bind or wrap them together. That will tighten them up, thus stabilizing the mast forward.