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Post by dbostrom on May 15, 2022 22:18:16 GMT
The wire component on our Selden Rodkicker just failed (see photo). Perusing others' experience, I see that repairs will involve drilling some pop rivets, and that we're likely to encounter some damage to an internal sheave. Meanwhile, the entire assembly is some 12 years old and has seen fairly hard service. I'm wondering if it's better to just cut to the chase and replace the unit in entirety. Not so much a matter of a money choice as that I don't like sending bushels of stuff to the scrap barrel unless it's on balance a better path. Related questions: given that the Selden piece has pop rivets and is thus inherently unfriendly to routine service, would it be better to switch to a more sustainable alternative? Specfically, the Harken Vang Master? Points in Harken favor: connectors machined from billets as opposed to cast, completely serviceable without using a drill, no stainless-aluminum mess in the mix, fewer components, intrinsic (and serviceable) pneumatic spring. The main question w/regard to Harken I suppose is "will it fit?" Has anybody else here done this swap?
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Post by rene460 on May 16, 2022 13:00:31 GMT
I would suggest trying the repair first. If you are worried about drilling out the pop rivets, you could use SS bolts with nylock nuts and corrosion resistant grease, but probably not necessary if you have a suitable pop riveter.
It would be interesting to understand why the cable broke. Did the upper sheave seize? Or the ferrule let go? Did it break at the upper or lower end? Hard to see the complete picture from the photo.
I had mine apart, but as the cable was intact, I did not need to remove the pop rivets. Assembly is simple enough, at least with the guide in hand. To me the most difficult part was finding the correct spot to fix the boom slider, so the spring could lift the boom when sail is raised, while still supporting the boom with the sail furled.
I assume you have the Selden guide on rod kickers for a good illustration of the internal parts and how they are assembled.
I have no experience of the Harken unit.
rene460
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Post by dbostrom on May 18, 2022 8:34:42 GMT
Thank you for your thoughts and tips, rene460. Yes, I think we're opting for repair. I need to forget that I ever saw the Harken. It's dangerously appealing.
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Post by dbostrom on May 23, 2022 22:37:33 GMT
Well, this one's a goner. Not exactly sure what the exact failure stimulus/mode was but the cable failure seems as though it may have been a secondary effect. I guess this is score for Harken-- parts are not so concealed. Hmm.
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