NACRA 5.2--Bent Diamond Wire Tang

Quxhlp

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Jun 12, 2011

Last visit: Sep 02, 2011

Posts: 5
Posted: Sep 02, 2011 - 07:25 PM

The boat is a NACRA 5.2. Thanks for the help in advance.

About a year ago I dropped my mast during stepping. I hit the ground and the starboard diamond wire caught on my trailer.

My guess is the mast fell about 3-4 feet before the diamond wire caught suddenly.

The result of this accident was a slightly bent starboard diamond wire tang. The other diamond wire tang is slightly bent too, but I think this is normal wear and tear. I have been sailing the boat for over a year with no noticeable problems.

My thought at this point is to do nothing. I have also thought about bending the tang back. There is a little rust inside the tang's lower rivet, but there are no obvious cracks and everything is tight.

Here are pics of the bent tang and the "normal" port side tang.

Both tangs for comparison:

Both Tangs Image 1 http://flic.kr/p/aiFJDX
Both Tangs Image 2 http://flic.kr/p/aiJxjW
Both Tangs Image 3 http://flic.kr/p/aiJxsQ

Pics of the bent tang:

Bent Tang Image A http://flic.kr/p/aiFrXX
Bent Tang Image B http://flic.kr/p/aiJfTw
Bent Tang Image C http://flic.kr/p/aiFs4e
Bent Tang Image D http://flic.kr/p/aiJfLf

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Eric

Edited by esarratt on Sep 02, 2011 - 07:48 PM.
Edchris177

Rank: Chief

Registered: Nov 26, 2009

Last visit: Apr 10, 2024

Posts: 2524
Posted: Sep 03, 2011 - 06:43 AM

I had a bend on my mast hound tang when I bought the boat. The people at Murray's told me to just bend it back, said the SS can take a bit of bending without failing. The bend does not look like much. It may be hard to get in there & get a solid grip with good pliers, or a crescent wrench (done up tight against the metal). In that case I'd just use it as is.

--
Hobie 18 Magnum
Dart 15
Mystere 6.0XL Sold Was a handful solo
Nacra 5.7
Nacra 5.0
Bombardier Invitation (Now officially DEAD)
Various other Dock cluttering WaterCrap
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Wolfman

Rank: Chief

Registered: Jun 24, 2009

Last visit: Jun 15, 2023

Posts: 1555
Posted: Sep 03, 2011 - 12:23 PM

I agree with EC. I can't see much of a bend there. The diamond tangs tend to get moved around a little as you tighten the diamonds anyway. Bend it back and you should be good to go.

--
Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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