MacGregorSailors.com

I have noticed that there a quite a number of new Mac owners on the board. In two days, I have come accross 3 new owners whose furler did not have cotter pins installed on the furler turnbuckles. This is potentially dangerous, and you won't be aware of the probelm until it mainfests itself in a catastrophic manner. The turnbuckles gradually loosen and then separate from the rest of the assembly unless the cotter pins or similar stopping device is in place. (the mast will fall towards you! Maybe gradually, maybe violently) If you are a new owner, please take the 5 minutes to lift the foil and check your furler rig!

OK so I'm off to go on a "Sails" call now!

John Sk.
"Principals"
Bronte Outer Harbour
Ontario, Canada

Even better than cotter pins would be siezing wire. Cotter pins may still allow the turnbuckle to loosen over time. There have been reports of cotter pins being sheared through as the turnbuckle had loosened to the point of being at the end of the threads. Siezing wire locks the turnbuckle in place so that it can't rotate at all.

--Mike

This is one of those oft-repeated issues that would be a great entry for a FAQ - which should be maintained by MacGregor and handed to every new boat owner!

Another option besides seizing wire or cotter pins is to put ring-dings in which have a greater diameter than the turnbuckle. Ring-dings are easier to take out if you decide to fiddle with your forestay length, and they can be used over and over.

- AndyS

Thank you very much !!! I am one of those new owners on this board and this type of advice from seasoned Mac owners like you is invaluable.

Thanks again,

Jacek

This good advise is not only for new Mac owners, I have had Enterprise Sea for almost a year now and haven't yet checked out my furler, but I will do it first thing NOW.

Thanks

Rich