Suncor Quick Attach and Closed-Body Turnbuckles

[Joe Tighe]

Hello all,

I am about to undertake the re-rigging of my 1978 Albin Ballad, a 30' sloop with original rigging. I am replacing the tangs, wire, and all of the hardware. I have chosen Suncor's "quick attach" mechanical fittings for both price and ease of installation. I am wondering if anyone has used these and with what success. Has anyone even heard of them?

Second, the turnbuckles Suncor supplies with their mechanicals are closed-body, all 316 stainless turnbuckles with lock-nuts. I have heard conflicting opinions on this style. Some say that, for where I am (the Chesapeake), the closed-body is okay since the bay isn't terribly salty and any trapped water won't leave behind significant chlorides to corrode the metal. I do sail offshore in the summer, but most of the year the boat is in the bay. I've also been told that the champfer on the threads has been designed to eliminate the usual galling of steel-on-steel. As for the last concern -- not seeing how much thread is left -- I figure I can mark the screws to tell me that, but how effective are lock-nuts for keeping the body in place? My existing turnbuckles are the traditional cotter-pin type.

I have spoken to my supplier about using traditional turnbuckles, and he can do it but not without a lot of running around. I'm wondering if it's really worth the bother. If I care for the hardware (as I normally do -- the existing stuff is 33 years old!) with frequent inspection, a good hose-down now and then, and a gob of lanocote once in a while, is there any reason to stay away from the closed-body style?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[matt the rigger]

All the closed body turnbuckles I have ever come across in the last 20 yrs. as a rigger have proved to be very gall friendly. I think mostly because of the stainless on stainless,but also because they collect salt,and dirt regardless of where you are in the world. As far as the SUNCOR fittings (and most all of there products) they are not the best quality. There are some of there items that are very comparable to the name brand, but I would (and have ) NOT recommend using any of there products with moving parts. Your better off spending a little more money,and go with a proper marine hardware manufacturer.Chances are the existing hardware was a lot higher quality,and that's why it lasted so long. I would use the HAYN hi-mod fittings,or good old STA-LOC fittings. Quality goods are the way to go.