Solent Stay

[Saltydog]

I've spoken to several riggers who are against installing a mast hound and thru bolting it saying that will put too many holes in the mast and instead they want me to drop the mast so they can install an internal backing plate. I think this is overkill. I'm refitting a Coronado 41 and need people thoughts on best mast fitting to use. Also what do peop,e think of using synthetic rope for the stay?

Saltydog

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Several riggers? I ask, because, while it seems possible that there is one wingnut out there who might suggest such a thing, I'm surprised that there might be several. I can't even recall ever seeing a backing plate installed for this application; ordinarily that is reserved for boom vang fittings, where the loads are relatively high, on a much thinner section.
There are internal tangs, sometimes used for forestays, that fit inside the mast. These are not backing plates, but the whole thing, and there are limits to their articulation, and thus to their use for a stay.
If you have a well-shaped fitting, adequately fastened, there is ample support to oppose the pull of the stay. I am working on a boat right now that has been around the world -- twice -- that doesn't even have a throughbolt for this fitting.
As for doing this in place, while it is possible, I urge you to take it out, so you can do the job much faster, easier, and safer, with the stick on sawhorses.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Saltydog]

Hi Brian,
Thanks for your advice I found a mast hound from rigging only which I will use. Now my question is the deck fitting. I plan to remove the mooring bit and place the fitting there but how to tie it to the hull. Is it possible to glass in a pad eye and use a turnbuckle to tie into a double pad eye deck fitting? Or do I need to mount the hull fitting by bolting it through the bow? I hate drilling holes in the hull.

Ed