[Rhodes22-list] Spring loaded pop top pin

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Jefferson,

Anything that works, is safe and, above all, provides a great sailing
experience, is the right part.  I think that you are describing what is
known as a hitch pin
(http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/2-pk-jr-products-hitch-pin-cli
ps?a=586289).

The original hardware for connecting the mast slider to the poptop was known
as a fastpin or quickpin.  If memory serves, it was 1/4" diameter and 2-1/2"
long.  You can find them in any good hardware or sailing supply store.  The
internet superstore, Defender Marine Supply, has them for $11
(http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|5948|2333897|2673548&id=267438
4).

Fastpins were used by General Boats in the early 80's to secure the poptop
to the mast slider and to provide a "safety stop" when inserted in a hole in
the mast located below the slider when in the full up position to prevent it
from dropping if things got really rough.  My 1981 R22 was also equipped
with fastpins on the two rear stays as well as the forestay at the bow
chainplate.  The bow pulpit anchor was originally secured by a pair of
fastpins on the rail and a third at the deck.  This system was replaced with
a commercially available anchor hanger for easier deployment.

Since I was a trailer sailor in the early 80's, we left the two front lower
stays and the two upper side stays connected by standard Clevis pins at all
times.  The standard main mast was raised from the bow by two of us (no
crane system) and the rear lower stays were quickly fastpinned to secure the
mast in a vertical position, followed by attachment of the forestay and then
the rear stays. Using fastpins we were able to be sailing 30-45minutes after
arrival at the ramp.  We were in our 30's, but the fastpins did help speed
the process.

I was told that fastpins could fail unexpectedly or work loose while sailing
and should not be used by "real sailors".  In all my years, I never had one
fail in use, although I replaced them when the retaining ball did not snap
into place for fear that they might fall out if not properly retained.
These were placed in my toolkit for emergencies or other uses.  The key
rings were always attached via a short length of line to the closest rigging
component so that they were not lost overboard and were conveniently located
when needed.  I think that real sailors go sailing a lot.  We passed many
expensive boats by at anchor or in slips as we went sailing.

Mike
s/v Windlass ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2015 6:39 AM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Spring loaded pop top pin

Hi Rob - thank you for clearing up a mystery for me. My 76 Rhodes has a 2 "
cotter pin - the kind shaped roughly like a P with one straight leg and one
that bulges to make the round part of the P and apply tension....excuse my
fumbling description - a standard hardware store item the same size as I
have on my mowing tractor to attach the cutting deck.
It is attached to a loop on the base of the mast with a length of string to
keep it from wandering away and that is how I keep the pop top up - the
straight side of the cotter pin slides through the two holes the other leg
keeps it in place.
Not a very elegant or Rhodes-like solution but it works fine, at least until
you realize there was once a spring loaded pin designed to do the job. I
also have one of these cotter pins that holds the boom end in place. Is that
also a spring loaded pin on other Rhodes?
Anyway this should work for you temporarily at least. If you have any luck
getting the original part from GB would you let me know so I can order one
as well?
I launched Patience two days ago and was delighted when she didn't sink and
the centreboard went down and up. I feel like a kid with his first bicycle.
Dazed and delighted. What a beautiful boat. Everything is a first - first
cup of coffee made on the Origo, first nap in the cabin, first attempt at
putting the rails under in a spanking wind - failed but fun - first time
doing a high speed come about within calling distance of a marina full of
big Beneteaus and wanting to shout 'the wind's up! wake up fools and come
sailing!!!'
If this ain't love, I don't know what love is.
Jefferson
S.V. Patience
Lake Memphremagog, Quebec
Sent from my iPhone
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