Turnbuckle covers/boots?

[josrulz]

I've read a lot of SailNet threads about cotter pins, rings, velcro, and all sort of stuff regarding turnbuckles. We've been using cotter pins and plan to stick with them. My question is about chafe protection at the turnbuckles. Currently, we have those common PVC boots like those in the pic below.

Since the rig is out this winter, we have the option to switch to another method of preventing chafe, if one is advisable. Should we stick with these, or should we go with some other method?

Thanks!
-J

[sailingdog]

The PVC boots are an excellent and inexpensive way to prevent chafe and protect the sails from the turnbuckles. It is better to use the PVC pipe boots than it is to tape the turnbuckles, as the boots allow oxygen to get to the stainless steel, and reduces the risk of severe crevice corrosion.

[josrulz]

Thanks SD. What about at the very bottom of the shroud, below the turnbuckle, where it attaches to the chainplate? The PVC boots are too small to fit over them on our boat, so there's a cotter pin in a clevis pin that holds the whole thing to the chainplate that stays more or less exposed. The yard last spring taped the cotter pins so nothing will snag on them. Should I do something different this spring? If I don't need to tape them, I'd be perfectly happy with not doing so.

By the way, for what it's worth, a reputable rigger told me it's OK to tape if it's just a couple loops around in a specific spot, and vertical, since it doesn't hold water. Still seems like it would trap moisture against the metal though.
-J

[sailingdog]

Jos—

Get some PVC pipe from the hardware store... cut a length of it to fit over the bottom section. You can either remove a clevis pin or split the PVC to get it over the shroud. The other option is to put a small dab of silicone sealant over the ends of the cotter pins. IMHO, either of these is better than taping the rigging—since it really isn't okay to tape rigging IMHO.

[k1vsk]

If you want to do something not as ugly as plastic tube, we find using leather chafe guards, color coordinated to match whatever you prefer, make much more effective and pleasing protection, don't trap water and stay clean much longer than plastic. They can be had with velcro making the job of removal and inspection easier.

[4arch]

I've been very pleased with the heavy cloth turnbuckle covers that came with my boat. They velcro together along their length and have a tie line at the bottom. They dry out quickly and are easy to remove for inspection or if the boat's going to be sitting for long periods. They don't get dirty like the PVC and if they do they're easy to take off and clean. I haven't verified it, but I'm pretty sure the ones I have are sold at WM and some of the online stores as "Perimeter Industries Removable Turnbuckle Covers".

[josrulz]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback. We might stick with the PVC simply because it's cheap, but the heavy cloth versions are interesting because they aren't TOO expensive. Of course, it's the price x 6 for all of our shrouds! Either way, we won't be taping. Just covering this year.

[BubbleheadMd]

I have the PVC ones in your picture. I recently inspected my turnbuckles and found them to be in good shape and not seized up. If you don't buy those, slicing PVC from the hardware store would be a good way to go.

You could paint them if you think they're ugly.

[scottyt]

also i like the tubes as they are much better at deflecting toes, that is if they go all the way down.

[CalypsoP35]

I have the tubes as well and am very happy with them. If they don't go all the way down to the deck you probably just need to get the next size up. (Which of course cost a lot more)

Also, I don't think PVC pipe is a good solution because of the UV degradation. I think I read that on one of the other SN threads. The boots sold are typically made of vinyl.