Still Here!! Bobstay fitting broken
16 May 2009 | Flamenco anchorage, Panama,
Joe
Yesterday, Allie, our German welder friend was preparing to make a chain roller for the bowsprit; and he is very interested in metals, particularly stainless steel, which has several weaknesses, like a tendency to crack, being more brittle than mild steel. He noticed a big crack and some smaller ones on the part that joined the bobstay to the bowsprit. The mast is supported - from its top - by the forestay, which is held secure by the bowsprit, which in turn is supported by the bobstay, which is joined - at its lower end - to the hull (at the waterline). A sort of chain, and one of the links could have broken, bringing the mast down. Obviously a serious matter, and we won't leave until it is restored. Not all the parts I need are available here in the shops so I am asking around.