Forestay repositioning

[dimipooh]

I’ve got myself into a rigging situation with my 53” steel boat.

The forestay attachment has a crack which require a repair that I can not do now as I have to get the boat back to its home port (just 350nm away).

Do you think a longitudinal attachment similar to that of the running stay would work (see photo)? Both plates, the cracked and the longitudinal are 10mm with the later continuing down in the chain locker (i.e it is not a superficial attachment).

[NSboatman]

Same size plate, tied in to sufficient structure, should be ok- but it looks like the clearance around the lower plate will be tight for the forks on the fitting. Also- do you have the length in the bottle screw to make it up or are you using extension plates to reach the lower hole?

Seems like you have lots of options.

That’s a nasty crack. I’d be looking closely at the whole rig if that’s present…

[Rucksta]

Have you determined why the fitting cracked?

Is there a toggle in the system or is the fitting above the chainplate the rigging screw?

Some further investigation before embarking on a voyage may be prudent.

[dimipooh]

Originally Posted by NSboatman

Same size plate, tied in to sufficient structure, should be ok- but it looks like the clearance around the lower plate will be tight for the forks on the fitting. Also- do you have the length in the bottle screw to make it up or are you using extension plates to reach the lower hole?

Seems like you have lots of options.

That’s a nasty crack. I’d be looking closely at the whole rig if that’s present…

There were more issues on the rigging but I am working on these.
Just to give you an idea of what you can expect from your rigging after 15+ years of neglect and lack of TLC. The images speak for themselves...

[dimipooh]

Since I have access to a welder nearby, I have decided to make the temporary repair by cutting part of the piece with the crack and weld an 18mm inox plate overlapping the already existing base.

Some friends with steel boats also suggested loosening the forestay and welding straight on the crack, which should just get me home.