Hi everyone,

First post in the sailing section, I am a pretty actives windsurfer.

I am just in the finishing stages of fitting out a fiberglass folk boat (5 year project) in Sydney & need to replace the forestay deck fitting, I haven't had much luck sourcing a replacement, does anyone here know where I might be able to try?

Many thanks

Geoff

You are unlikely to get a suitable fitting off the shelf. What is the problem with the existing fitting? Maybe you can get it repaired or modified, as all it needs then is a stainless steel fabricator, and a design. Can you post a pic?

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Yara said..
You are unlikely to get a suitable fitting off the shelf. What is the problem with the existing fitting? Maybe you can get it repaired or modified, as all it needs then is a stainless steel fabricator, and a design. Can you post a pic?

Thanks Yarra

The existing has disappeared , it was pretty basic with 2 1/4 inch through bolt & 3 holes for the forestay & to attach the tack of the Genoa/Jib.

Any recommendations for a stainless fabricator in Sydney from anyone? (preferably near the airport as I am in Bexley North)

I have just been through this, we have a broken gooseneck mast plate. I tried local fabricators (seem to be around Botany), one of them even said drop it off no problem. A few days later they called me and said sorry too complicated and I had to go pick it up. V annoying.

Eventually someone tipped me off to Whale Spars in Petes Ridge. I had a long chat with them and they know what they are talking about. I posted my part up to them. Perhaps you can do the same. Unfortunately as with all yachtie suppliers they are v busy at the moment and have advised 2-3 weeks wait time.
Ed

www.whalespars.com/

+1 for whalespars they are good guys and know what their stuff. Worth the wait

Here is a pic of a Marieholm M26 version. Note that the bow roller is separate to the forestay fitting. So you can probably buy a bow roller no problem. Strange design for the forestay, as the loads are high, and usually they are distributed to the stem, which is strong. Check under your deck and see if there is a plate or other component connected to the stem. Photos?

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G30ff0 said..

Any recommendations for a stainless fabricator in Sydney from anyone? (preferably near the airport as I am in Bexley North)

I've used Viking Marine at Taren Point to make a few things for me, they should be able to knock something up easily enough.

+2 for Whalespars - I got my rigging through them.

Thanks guys,

I have spoken to Whalespars & the gentlemen there was very helpful, although he declined to do the job he put me in touch with George from Stem to Stern fittings in Brookvale NSW whom is looking at the job now, if things don't work out with George then I will try Viking Marine.

Yarra, my boat is actually a Mariohelm, as pictured & agree on the seemingly poor engineering, there isn't a plate or anything connecting it to the stem, I actually glassed in a bulkhead & anchor well into the fore deck which transfers the load to the stem now.

I will take a couple of pictures when out at the factory today

I suggest that you extend the anchor sprit to keep the anchor away from the stem when hauling it in, and incorporate a loop over the roller to tame the anchor when at rest. Also a large roller is worth the effort because it makes sheeting the anchor home easier.

Interestingly, the Scandinavians do not do much anchoring from the bow. Their shorelines are so steep, they just step ashore and tie a rope to a tree or a rock. Walking along a pier in Helsinki, I was astounded to see no bow rollers on the boats. Also no anchor well!. The Folkboat being Swedish, follows the trend.

The design was adapted in Australia, so maybe that is why you have this unusual problem.

Hi everyone, just an update, George from Stem to stern made the new fitting, should be putting it in shortly

A few pictures, haven't done much to her for the last few months