Dinghy development: stress fractures

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stress fractures

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2039
Printed Date: 15 Aug 25 at 11:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: stress fractures

Posted By: southcoast
Subject: stress fractures
Date Posted: 25 Jul 06 at 9:13am

Not sure if they are called this but i found lines along my daggerboard, mostly aroundthe top i guess this is just wearing away from all my capsizing but is this a critical thing? I just dont want it to snap on me, but there not cheap. Its for a 600 by the way and does flex abit when im on it, is this usual? Thanks for any replys

Replies:

Posted By: Bruce Starbuck
Date Posted: 25 Jul 06 at 3:19pm

Do you mean they run horizontally, near where the board exits the hull?

If so, then it sounds like they could well be stress cracks. You'll only find out if they are critical if you hear a "bang" and start going sideways! It can and does happen.

The alternative is to buy a new one, which would be advisable if you're trying to win the nationals but may be an overkill if you're club sailing. Best bet is to wait until it happens. It probably won't, but you never know!

Posted By: Femto
Date Posted: 25 Jul 06 at 6:25pm

The dagger board on the 6 is like most of the rest of it- pretty bullet proof (just as well when i'm sailing it). The structure is likely to be some reinforcing bars surrounded by a foam core with the glass (?) and gel coat over the top. When you put you weight on it the rods will flex but the gel coat doesn't have the same elasticity so cracks show.
I wouldn't worry too much about it- mine was pristine until i fell from the top of the rack onto it (small children should not be allowed near 600 sailors given the selection of language that boat brings!), now it has some crazing in the gel coat but still seems as strong as ever. Sure ldc would be happy to help you part with some hard earned if your worried.....

-------------
RS600 717, RS400 870 Netley SC
Kerr 11.3 (Pier View YC)

Posted By: southcoast
Date Posted: 26 Jul 06 at 9:14am

Cheers ill stick with it i think. The boat as a whole seems pretty bullet proof so all is good, thanks alot.