[C320-list] Cracked forestay stem head fitting

[Larry Frank]

Rick,

This sounds like a different location than the cracked weld I experienced.
The cracks I had were between the vertical plate and tang that the forestay
is connected to.  The cracks extended from the top approximately 25% of the
weld on both sides.  The opinions of both the surveyor and Gerry Douglas who
I sent photographs to were that these cracks did not put the rig in
jeopardy.  There reasoning was that the load of the forestay was carried by
the tang down to where it is bolted to the hull.  BoatUS wanted the problem
fixed however so I eventually had Garhauer fabricate a new one.  I had to
send the old one to Garhauer because they wanted to make sure all the holes
lined up properly.

This was discovered in 2006 when WindSwept was 11 years old.

Larry
Catalina 320 #246  




-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick From
Inflate Co
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2013 7:25 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Cracked forestay stem head fitting

I will send photos soon. The cracks (on each side) go the full 2 inches
where the vertical plate meets the horizontal fitting on the bow. That
horizontal fitting appears to have a hole for using a different angle on the
headsail. So the plate us intact, it is where the plate is welded to that
short horizontal piece mounted flat at the tip of the bow

Thank you and please excuse any grammatical and/or  typographical  as sent
from iPhone.

Rick Portanova | President | CEO
INFLATE CO, INC.
www.InflateCo.com
949-340-0104 Office


On Aug 30, 2013, at 5:15 AM, "Larry Frank" <WindSwept at stx.rr.com> wrote:

> WindSwept had cracked welds in the stem head fitting a number of years
ago.
> Please describe where you are experiencing cracks and I will share my
> experience which include Gerry Douglas' comments if the location is the
> same.  Someone else suggested sending a photo but I am not sure you can do
> that.  IF you want to send the photo directly to windswept at stx.rr.com that
> will work too.
> 
> It may take a few days for me to respond as I will be on WindSwept for the
> holiday weekend.
> 
> Larry
> WindSwept C320 #246
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Rick From
> Inflate Co
> Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2013 3:10 PM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Cracked forestay stem head fitting
> 
> Guys 
> 
> I have a Cracked forestay stem head fitting
> . A local surveyor said go to sea and if it moves much replace /fix it. He
> said to just weld the cracks would heat the caulking and add a leak . My
> sister ship next to me is beginning to crack so must be chronic.
> 
> Anyone deal  with this before?
> 
> Thank you and please excuse any grammatical and/or  typographical  as sent
> from iPhone.
> 
> Rick Portanova | President | CEO
> INFLATE CO, INC.
> www.InflateCo.com
> 949-340-0104 Office
>