Just replaced my N5.7 DS rod with Murray’s.
Instructions say after pre-tension I should have 3/4” to 1” from top of nut to bottom of mast ball, and if more than that to cut it.
I have about 1.25” so it “should” be cut down, but doesn’t sound fun considering it’s solid a 9/16” SS rod.
Thoughts?
"If it works, don't fix it."
If it is to long it could cause the mast base to break where the clevis pin goes through when lowering the mast.
I would not hesitate to cut a 9/16" stainless rod. An abrasive wheel would make short work of it.
Exactly - simple machining (cutting and drilling) of stainless seems more daunting than it is. You don't need anything more than a cutoff wheel on an angle grinder for this.
10-4. Thx guys.
Yea, was looking @the nice machine finished ends thinking “not gonna cut it like that with everyday garage tools “
Ha
WHOA WHOA STOP!
You’re talking 1/4” inch. That is a mouse fart in a hurricane. Go look at a dozen 5.0/5.2/5.7 and you will see a dozen different lengths.
There is absolutely nothing to be gained by cutting a 1/4” off the DS. You will not break the mast base...unless you fail to rotate, or drop it.
It does cut easy, but unless you want to spend some time with a file, or have access to a lathe, the end will be crap.
Years ago I made a new DS, for $16, documented here.
https://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures?g2_itemId=73301&g2_GALLERYSID=f386882d635f0d18b5ef69dff4b967cd
E C Hilliard
Nacra 5.7
Bombardier Invitation
I can't talk much about the application as I don't have any cat experience other than what I've done on my H16. We have a lathe in our EAA chapter hangar and I use that often, but not for cutting down threads. Generally I'll cut it down and taper the couple of end threads on a bench grinder. If you put a nut on before you make the cut, removing it tends to clean the threads up so it is easy to thread on again. Generally I don't need to resort to pulling out the tap and die set to clean them up.
You really can't pre-tension (load up) the main beam and dolphin striker while the main-beam is still on the boat. It needs to be taken off and done if you want to do it correctly. Using a string from end to end on the main-beam you should have about a 1/4" bow at the dolphin striker. If you don't want to take the beam off, at the least, loosen every thing up.
Thanks for all the help!
Just had front beam off for trampoline replacement so loosening straps would be an issue