Toggles or fork fittings

[Ryan]

I am getting ready to re-rig my Hughes 25 and wanted to know if you guys recommend using plain fork fittings or toggles at the masthead. I am using Sta-Lok mechanical fittings and plan to use a toggle at the chainplate to connect to the turnbuckle, but the previous rig just used fork terminals to connect the mast head, and I'm wondering if toggles would be a better option. Thanks!

[Brian Duff]

As un-fortunate as the excess weight aloft will be with those relativly bulky sta-lock toggles, you should use them as opposed to forks. Splices might be better still. Forks would be much more prone to fatigue on a boat like yours (googled Hughes 25- gotta love google !) with its bendy rig.
Sta-Loc says "It is recommended that a bar toggle should be used with all turnbuckle fork ends. " I would assumme the double jaw toggle on their wire terminal serves fine too..

[Ryan]

Thanks Brian. I thought that would be the case, but it never hurts to ask someone who knows more than me (which is most everyone!). Thanks again.

Ryan

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Instead of a separate toggle, you can get a terminal with a toggle built in. Less weight, bulk, and cost. Sailing Services in Miami modifies Sta-Loks like this, and I believe they are stock from Hayn.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Ryan]

I am very much leaning towards the Hayn fittings because of this. Has anyone had any bad experience from Hayn that would make Sta-Lok preferable, or are they all good enough that it is just a matter of availability, personal preference, etc? Thanks.

[TomP]

Ryan,

We are a stockist for the Hayn/Petersen Hi-Mods. We carry all the mechanical terminals on the market and we have found now weakness with any of the fittings (Norseman, Hayn, Sta-Lok) based against each other. The Hayn/Petersens do have an extra piece (the crown) to keep the outer strands aligned. Aside from that, asthetically, the Hayn/Petersens are a little more smooth and not as industrial looking.

Tom
Old Dominion Rigging