How thick is the hound metal and...

Posted By: Tom Cannon, 2023A, Coupeville WA
Date: 5/19/08 6:49a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Forestay Hound (pic) (Bob Frak)

is the tang portion welded to the mast strap or doubled by bending two straps? I ask because I plan on using a forestay hound made by Ronstan from 5/64" stainless steel that is bent to double the thickness of the tang, then spot welded with an eyelet at the hole. It has 5 holes on each side for rivets or screws. I'm switching to a Schaefer Snapfurl CF-500 furler that requires a halyard sheave, so I installed a Ronstan Exit Box (RF41712) slightly above the existing slot in the mast and the forestay hound will mount above the exit box. I used a 5/16" bolt with a compression tube in the original position for the stays. The original bolt was very slightly bent. The only issue is getting at least a 10 degree angle where the halyard is attached to the furler swivel. It appears I'll have to fit in a halyard restrainer below the exit box to get enough angle. I'm expecting the furler to be delivered later this week. When I have all the parts I'll know if I really have a problem. Like the hound you are using the hole in the tang is closer to the mast than on the OEM installation. The centerline of the hole on the Ronstan tang is 7/8" from the front of the mast. If it were a bit further away the halyard restrainer would not be necessary. It appears there are only a few options available for small masts when it comes to ready made hounds.