The forestay weld to the crossbeam has torn on the fore side.
Pictures at http://www.well.com/user/rwa/sailing/
Has anyone else seen this?
If so please let me know how you fixed it, and what the cause was.
Thanks,
Reed Alpert
Wind & Water 3249
Weld holding forestay to crossbeam torn
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- deckhand
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- admiral
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weld / crack
It is fortunate that you spotted the problem before it progressed to a full failure. I will be sure to inspect my boat and suggest that others do likewise.
It appears that the crack is not in the weld but is in the cross beam material itself. Judging from the angle of the bracket it appears that it was not truly in line with the forestay resulting in stress concentration at the front edge.
In order to get the loading away from the cracked area and to spread the load over a larger area I would add an aluminum bar at right angles to the existing bracket. If the material is fitted properly it can be welded to the existing bracket and in turn welded to the cross beam allowing for a longer weld on the cross beam.
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Follow up comment
I checked my boat today and do not see any evidence of a problem however my bracket is straight and is welded directly in line with the forestay. I don't know the reason why your bracket is angled - a straight in line connection would provide a stronger joint.
It appears that the crack is not in the weld but is in the cross beam material itself. Judging from the angle of the bracket it appears that it was not truly in line with the forestay resulting in stress concentration at the front edge.
In order to get the loading away from the cracked area and to spread the load over a larger area I would add an aluminum bar at right angles to the existing bracket. If the material is fitted properly it can be welded to the existing bracket and in turn welded to the cross beam allowing for a longer weld on the cross beam.
.......................................
Follow up comment
I checked my boat today and do not see any evidence of a problem however my bracket is straight and is welded directly in line with the forestay. I don't know the reason why your bracket is angled - a straight in line connection would provide a stronger joint.
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- deckhand
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- Location: New York (3249)
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- deckhand
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Mon Sep 05, 2005 5:53 pm
- Location: New York (3249)
Crossbeam replaced by PDQ
When PDQ saw the picture they offered to replace the corssbeam at no cost. Last weekend James Power was here in NY and replaced the beam, tuned the rigging, and answered my numerous questions.
Exceptional service!
Exceptional service!