Is there a substitute for forestay clevis pins for a guy who doesn't see too good close-up and has stubby fingers and no fingernails? (got to keep em short or kooties get under em). I'm always cussing under my breath when I get to that part. Hoping that I don't lose that little ring pin.
I gotta know the truth. I can deal with it. I'll even let one fingernail grow despite the cooties and keep a drawer full of ring pins. (Is that spelled cooties or kooties - oh well.)
Please let there be something. They are a big hassel for a guy who is always up and down with that mast.
DON'T use Dentent / Quick Pins.... I used one and the thing just popped out one time while powering slowly... and of course the mast came crashing down. Luckly no one got hurt. So I went back to using the ring pins.... the safety is worth the hassle.
I chamfered the end, ground the threads smooth and drilled a hole through a 2-inch stainless quarter inch hex head bolt. The length makes it MUCH easier to get in and out. Then put a larger ring ding through the hole and you're home free. Oh, and tether it to something so it doesn't go swimming.
I think Blue Water Yachts sells a longer pin with a right angle head or something designed for this purpose.
Blue Water has their own pin which looks like a valve stem. The large head is easy to grasp. Some folks drill a small hole in the valve head part and fasten it to the boat with a small lanyard.
Yeah, Blue Water Yachts. They'll send you an exhaust valve with a hole in the end for the ring ding, and it fits snugly through the holes. Bore a hole in the stainless valve part and secure it with a thin nylon chord so it wont be rolling off the deck and go splushing into the water at a couple bucks a pop.
Hello:
I agree, the big head style of pin is much easier. I also drilled mine for a lanyard. I keep the ring ding on the lanyard also. All secured to the hanked on hole in the tang. No way to drop anything.
Mark,
I use a 'u' shaped shackle (6mm).
When on river I use a quick release 'u' shackle.
Also have a line running from a mast cleat to a block above the forestay attachment and down to the bow rail where it's shackled on. 2 uses: one as a fail safe for the forestay and two as a halyard for the mast raising system, so I can keep the genoa on the roller furling system when trailering.
Max the Brit
Todd, I don't have a photo but I'll take a stab at describing the pin in question. The BWY pin shank is standard diameter, maybe 1-1/2" or 1-3/4" in length and has a flat head roughly the size of a quarter for good grip. As others have said, it looks like an intake valve out of a small engine, only is made from stainless steel.
I also highly recommend the BWY pin. Do attach it with a lanyard, I used heavy crimped fishing mono, works great. Also buy a bigger ring ding. I got some 1-1/2" ones and it makes it much easier to hit the hole.
Hoping that I don't lose that little ring pin.
