We are replacing the rigging on our W42. I may need to replace the bow sprit too. I had it re welded. Everywhere the shop welded the cracks, the cracks kept progressing ( chasing the cracks). Either the stainless has become brittle / work harden over time and or the shop did not match up the proper stainless rod, etc. with bow sprit stainless series. I can see some cracks in the tubes by the main mounting plates on the cap rail. I am a little wary of the welds and bowsprit.
The bow sprit is mounted on top of the cap rail unlike the majority that I have seen mounted to the hull side just below the cap rail. If I replace it, I will mount it below the cap rail. This also will make easier access to mounting hardware, etc. !!
On our W42 the cutter stay is secured to the deck aft of the anchor windlass with a rather small pad eye. Dose not seem very strong for the load that can be imposed at that point and to the deck. Riggers have the same concern. So either a beam would have to be made to transfer the load, etc. Or install a rod from the deck to the bobstay tang. This would go through the V berth area which would not be the best solution.
I have seen most other W42 and W43 with the cutter stay mounted just aft of the bow cap rail and having the the bowsprit mounted below the cap rail.
Question ? - By having the stay padeye secured just aft of the forward cap rail, does a load transfer system go from the padeye backing plate to the center forward bowsprit mounting tang backing plate in the chain locker ?
If anyone could provide input to how your system is rigged, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
George and Nancy
W42 Cadence formerly Viking Rose
