SHROUD PROBLEM

[puggsy]

The last time I raised my mast after coming under our three bridges...one of the shroud ends where there is a thimble that connects with the adjuster, jammed up [ kinked] actually shortening the shroud by about 1/2 inch. I thought it had freed itself, but no. It actually bent the thimble a bit that eventually will have to be replaced...during onshore maintenance.
So to cure the problem, I lowered the mast ,[ ON THE MOORING] and
on all four shrouds, slipped on a 12 inch length of white 1 inch diameter PVC plumbing pipe and before reconnecting, and using ordinary electrical tape, taped the thimble at the connection tightly, to stop it flopping,
Also taped the length of the adjuster so it stays straight. the taping also locks in the joining pins with their split rings . The PVC drops down and prevent rope or sailcloth snagging on them. A much longer length of PVC could be used to protect gennakers from chafe when they come aft of the mast. Haven't got one of those yet.
Got to give Roger credit for his mast system...So much easier from the front deck. Puggsy 06

[Boblee]

Puggsy your boat must have been shipped direct because Phillip usually fits plastic hose over the adjusters and the pvc over the shrouds to protect them when trailering, but maybe your PO bought it bare.
Still have to watch the shrouds when lifting the mast though as they always seem to find something to snag on, perhaps I have too many snags

[puggsy]

THANKS BOB, maybe the PO took them off? He's into racing and the was too slow for him. sad eh!. Puggsy.

[Frank C]

A kinked shroud isn't anything to mess with. There's some potential that kink has seriously compromised the safety of that shroud. Unless you're particularly adept at wire-rope issues, it's best to just replace it. Here in San Francisco it's about $50 for a machine-swaged replacement. I think I'd just go ahead and replace its off-side mate, too.

[puggsy]

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE...Its the thimble thats got a bit of a bend...not too much. The shroud is O.K.