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[howie55]

Hi every one, l am looking for some idea’s on how to release the shrouds on my yacht, I need to take the mast and sail off my yacht to enable me to put the yacht into my car, the shrouds are connected to the deck by brass threaded inserts which are cemented in as a permanent fit , these are attached to barrel screws for adjustment, then wire shrouds to the mast, at present I have to unscrew each barrel screw to release [size=78%]each shroud, is there anything I could use between the shroud and the barrel screw as a quick release[/size]
[size=78%]Regards Geoff[/size]

[tigertiger]

Depending on the loads/tension.
For high loads. If you have turnbuckles with eyes, you could attach them part way up the shroud. Then use a simple loop, at the bottom of the shroud to pass over a hook in the deck. Or if you have rings in your deck, a turnbuckle part way up the shroud and a snap link at the end. For very high loads and a deck stepped mast, maybe not use snap links, but shackles would be an option (depending on scale/size of boat).
For low tension, you could use bowsies instead of turnbuckles.

[roycv]

I have the same problem on an IngaIV, 12 of them in all. 
Later yachts I have, or at least recent ones have the bowsies at mast height, they are much easier to get at there.  Sort of vanish from sight.  I hook all sets of shrouds into tough packing foam for storage and it stops tangling as well.

On the other hand on Bearospace Gary has a simple hook system which rotates through 90 degrees and has a slide down lock and it looks so easy to use.  I must draw one up and then use it!
By the way I make all my own hooks from suitable diameter wire with round nose pliers, almost zero cost.

Roy

[howie55]

Hi guys I have put some photos together to show what I am after with the bottle screws also some shots of my boat, this has been designed by myself, lofted and made my own plans, all brass work hand made, except for the bottle screws which I will need to modify to a biiger thread size, I would like to make a quick release method from the shroud to the bottle screw

[howie55]

Hope these photos arrive

[howie55]

Better shot of the bow and anchor

[howie55]

Tiger Tiger
Please excuse my ignorance, but what is a Bowsies
Geoff

[grasshopper]

Take a trip to your local fishing tackle shop, there’ll be loads of bits to sort you out there, just have a look for snap links and swivels.

[mrzippy]

Hi Geoff, could we have some details about the lovely model please? looks like an own design one off??
Paul.

[howie55]

Hi Paul
yes it is a one off, scratch built from sketches I made, I wanted something like a VO 60 racing yacht for the hull, I lofted the plans from my sketches, I purchased a 3/8" thick 6' x 4' sheet of marine ply, my base board was 2'feet wide 6' long to keep this flat I secured 1"x2" 6 foot lengths underneath, using this as a table I marked out the lofted plans full size onto A4 thin card joined with tape, the templates for the bulkheads were each copied onto single A4 sheets, and glued onto the remaining 3/8 ply sheet ready for cutting, with all bulkheads marked out and cut, I used what was my 6'x2' foot table and drew and drilled the profile of the yacht at each bulkhead position to be able secure them ready to receive the keel, which would slot into each bulkhead

[tigertiger]

Bowsies, some are two hole some are three hole. You can buy or make your own.

[tigertiger]

Assuming the ends of your bottle screws turn freely, you don't need bowsies. Although they may simplify adjustment over time, as the cordage you use stretches. But if you are going to use bowsies, you won't need bottle screws.

Put a hook on the end of your shroud and adjust the knot to that the hook will just slip through the eye of the bottle screw when it is about 1/3 screwed in. Then just tighten the bottle screw to take up the slack.
To detach the shroud just slacken off the bottle screw enough to unhook the shroud.

Allow for some stretch in the shroud cordage over time. Pre-stretching might also help.

[howie55]

Hi Tiger
Thank you for your info, I now understand what you call a bowsie, I call a cleat, I will use my bottlescrew and make a hook system
Thanks again Tiger

[mrzippy]

Hi Geoff, Thank you for the model details its an interesting build to say the very least !  please keep posting as it progresses.
Attached should be a pic of a fishing 'snap link' or Drennan Safe Links also used by model yachtsmen - available in various sizes from fishing tackle shops.
I use tiny ones approx 5/8" in length for attaching sheets to booms etc, also available with handy swivels attached.
For more sophisticated model yacht specific fittings look at one of our uk suppliers PJ Sails or Nylet etc.
Paul.

[howie55]

Hi Paul
I like those, we have a large finishing shop in west bay  I will go down later in the week and pay them a visit
Thanks for replying
Geoff