This forum has been fantastic in sharing ideas for modifications. As a new owner part of the fun is doing some of these and this is how I did it on Windsong.
It works well. I need to put a security wire on the DLINK but am wondering whether the metal to fibre glass connection will cause too much wear. WDYT?
The travel Lock bolts I made out of 3/16 SS Eye Bolts with a hitch pin instead of a nut. Both are connected by a safety wire to keep them together
Berber Boy wrote:This forum has been fantastic in sharing ideas for modifications. As a new owner part of the fun is doing some of these and this is how I did it on Windsong.
It works well. I need to put a security wire on the DLINK but am wondering whether the metal to fibre glass connection will cause too much wear. WDYT?
How tight is that shackle (D-link)? If it's not too tight, I would put nylon washers on either side of the rudder, inside the shackle; that would provide chafe-resistance and clearance enough for safety wire (or for a nylon zip-tie).
I like the bushing idea too. but out of curiosity, would it be good to maybe adhere on some SS washers with 5200 to prevent chafing and to aid also in spreading out the stress on the glass?
I like doing it the way I did it - http://www.macgregorsailors.com/modt/in ... ?view=1075 using the way the factory did it (knotted line). I don't like the idea of the shackle in contact with the fiberglass, although nothing will likely happen. A piece of line is a lot cheaper than a shackle too
Both will work well no doubt.
Doing my mod with the kick out cleats is just awesome.
Paul a really great Job. On a previous non mac sailer I had problems with the knot chafing and enlarging the hole with eventual pull through. So thought I would try a shackle instead. Dutchwinter's idea of a couple of SS washers is also a good idea that I might add.
BTW What is 5200 in the US? Is it a Silastic type compound or what?
With thousands of Macs with the knot setup, haven't heard any complaints yet. But anything to prevent metal on fiberglass will help. Your setup or with washers will be fine no doubt. I wouldn't lose too much sleep over it.