Questions about my Triton rig

[Jim Fulton]

Your rigger may be spot on with all of his findings and recommendations but they're so extensive that I'd be inclined to get a second opinion. In particular, I would question the apparent conclusion that your mast is unsafe and unsalvagable. Masts can be repaired. If the sleeve is covering a problem and if it was improperly done, it can be removed and replaced with something that is less likely to create a stress riser. It's worth a shot.

Jim Fulton

[sully75]

Thanks Jim. He hasn't given me a final word on that and he said he was going to try to use some sort of scope to examine the repair.

I'm not sure if the album I attached was available, I just made it public if you are interested in pictures.

Thanks
Paul

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Where to start? How about with that drifter. This Triton is a fractional rig with jumpers, but that doesn't preclude a drifter or spinnaker. In fact there is a halyard bail clearly visible in the pictures you sent. Perhaps I am missing something, but perhaps your rigger is not familiar with fractional rigs of this type.
Then there's that mast sleeve. It might be covering a repair, but if it is, it appears to be well-suited to the job: generously thick, good fastening pattern; nice stress relief in the shape. It might even be original construction for a two-piece mast. Certainly no indication from here that it would cause a problem.
It is possible -- even likely -- that a boat of this vintage needs attention paid to its rig, but I would get detailed confirmation of the state of things before condemning what is there now.
As for the storm stays'l, are you sure you need one? The forestays'l is already relatively small, and a well-cut roller-furling sail, paired with a good furler, would allow you to reef right down.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[sully75]

Thanks Brion. He was saying that the jumper struts would interfere with the spinnaker or drifter. I was a bit confused I guess just knowing that most people use these rigs unmodified.

I could also use a spinnaker on the fractional height of the jib halyard too, I think.

I'm not sure that I need a staysail either. My only thought is that I'm paying quite a bit to get the rig down, replace standing rigging, etc. So I thought this would be the winter to do anything that needed to be done rig wise. I'm hoping to do a big trip next summer to some pretty remote places so wanted everything to be really solid.

I was wondering about drilling out the rivets on the mast sleeve, being able to examine the sleeved area and then reinstalling with machine screws.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts, much appreciated.

Paul

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
The jib halyard will not work for a spinnaker; no articulation, no tacking. But a block on that lug, with the working part led over the strut will work just fine, as the spinnaker pulls the line forward.
As for that sleeve, drilling out the rivets is a good idea, but unless you then tap for larger fasteners, and countersink every hole, you won't be able to use machine screws. Best just to re-rivet.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[sully75]

Thanks Brion. That's very helpful. Enjoying your book quite a bit, pretty awesome.

All the best
Paul