I guess this is a warning to all to make sure you do that regular checking of your rig. I assumed responsibility for my much loved Swanson 32 folowing the passing of my father who had overseen the fitout and launched her back in 1985. In his later years she didn't recieve the attention required and so I am playing catchup a bit trying to get on top of a number of pressing issues while still getting to enjoy some sailing. I had a job to do up the mast over the weekend so I got some of the crew to come and assist. I get to the spreaders to discover that one of them is very loose and can be rocked forward and aft. Looks like the fitting might be shot (at least I am hoping that's all it is). Not only that but the movement apears to have pushed the mast in a little where the spreader joins the mast. Now that is some serious forces at work. It had been the next job I was going to tackle having somebody who knows about these things to come and give it the once over. I have read/heard that the standing rigging should be replaced every 7-10 years. I don't know if this rigging has ever been replaced so it is well overdue. Needless to say I have arranged for this issue in particular to be assessed and I will get them to give all the rigging a close inspection at the same time. You probably don't need it but this should serve to a reminder to us all to not put these little jobs off. I hate to think what would have occured in a decent breeze if the spreader had failed. OUCH!!
Swanson mast one solid piece. I climbed it many time, using 100m rope and the boom blocks. Spinnaker halyard as safety harness. You can change any wires without taking mast off. My spreaders were welded, I broke one and sail not pushing boat hard. I made up solid plastic piece which slides inside spreader and than bolted plastic with 2 screws to the mast. Spreader slide on plastic and 2 little screws to secure. Of course before you start you must release the tension on both shrouds. By the way, you have wheel steering, did you crawl under cockpit to inspect wires clean /de-rust/ and lubricate. Is it perfectly dry under cockpit /must be/. It is solid boats deserves to be look after. First 100 hours is pain later gets easier. Have fun.
No wheel solid tiller attached direct to the rudder stock.
100 hours you say? I must be approaching the easy bit I sure hope so as I recon the patience of the Mrs is about to run out not to mention her tollerance of the $$
Well I have decided to bite the bullet and pull the mast out repair the spreader issue and take the oportunity to replace all the standing rigging. I can't be certain when this was last done and the whole insurance requirament to replace rigging every 7 years means that now seemed about as good a time as any. Fortunately I have managed to find a supplier who is willing to allow me to be labour for him (ie no trades assistant to pay for) and for me to do as much of the job myself as I feel I can manage to keep costs down. When I floated this idea to him I must admit I was expecting him to say he couldn't do this because I wouldn't be covered by his insurances etc etc so that was a little bonus. It has probably saved me about $1000. So the mast is coming out Thursday and should go back in early next week with new rigging attached. Just in time for the Heaven Can Wait 24 hour race on the long weekend.
I sure hope so as I recon the patience of the Mrs is about to run out not to mention her tollerance of the $$
