[quote=nacradoug]At last, I have posted some before and after pics of the mast collapse incident. I also did an additional inspection of the boat and rigging, and I confirmed that the diamond wires and attachment points are still intact. Only the fore-side spreader bolts failed, leading to the mast collapse. The aft-side spreaders are still attached to the mast, but the mounting bracket is bent downwards. Here are some pics:
• Before the fateful sail (does anything look wrong with the rigging?):
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106931&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106919&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Dead mast
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106939&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Broken spreader bolt
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106927&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Remnants of spreader bolts still attached to mast
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106915&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106911&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Remnants of spreader bolt attachments shown bent downwards next to fracture
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106907&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Aft side of spreaders still attached to mast, but are bent downwards
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106935&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
• Diamond wires are still intact and neither attachment point has been compromised
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106898&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=106903&g2_serialNumber=4 [/img]
What I find most interesting is that the end failure mode was the spreader adjustment bolt breaking—not the diamond wires, or mounting hardware, or shroud lines, or forestay…. Instead, a bolt that should only be loaded in compression, primarily from the diamond wires, is what actually failed, leading to the mast collapse (I believe this is the “pop” we heard before the mast started to buckle). I would have thought one of these other items would have failed—or pulled the shroud anchors out of the hulls. I still think these aluminum bolts are under-designed for heavier sailing, and I would have much rather had a shroud line snap or disconnect to save the mast and sail. I will probably have custom stainless steel bolts made for the new rigging on this next round.
On a better note, my insurance finally came through on my claim after 2 long months of debating and negotiating. Let’s just say not all insurance policies are created equal—especially for boats. I would strongly advise anyone who has insurance to carefully read the fine print and exclusions to make sure you are ok with the limitations. I got very lucky with my claim, but a lot of things aren’t covered. As we all know, sailboats are not cars, and sometimes crazy s@?! just happens.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to getting the boat repaired to “like new” condition. Please let me know if there are any good upgrades you think I should consider, since I’m getting a new mast, spreader, diamond wires, and mainsail (probably mylar).
Thanks for everyone’s tips and ideas![/quote]
