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Tartan 3500 Owner’s Manual
T3500OM
31
12.5 Cove
Stripe
The cove (just below the deck line) is colored vinyl tape. The cove stripe may be
cleaned by using a mild detergent solution. The vinyl tape, if needing
replacement, can be purchased through your Tartan Dealer.
12.6 Standing
Rigging
Standing rigging is defined as those fixed parts of the rigging which support the
mast. The standing rigging and all the components listed under "Stainless Steel"
should be checked each time before going sailing and given a detailed monthly
examination. Turnbuckles should be inspected to make sure that cotter pins are
in place at top and bottom, that cotter pin ends are turned back carefully and that
they are covered with plastic tape. Each spreader should be checked that the
pins are properly in place and that the spreader is not out of alignment. The end
of the spreader where the shroud passes through should be padded with a piece
of foam and taped over to prevent chafing sails. Any stranded wire rigging
should be checked for broken, protruding strands. Check also for any signs of
rust in wire rigging. A good practice is to paint a small white ring around the
wire where it enters the terminal. The paint will show if any slippage occurs and
will prevent salt from collecting in the minute spaces between the strands, which
will induce corrosion. Examine carefully where the wire enters the terminal end
fitting for signs of rust or wear since this is a particularly vulnerable point when
the yacht is sailed in salt water. If signs of rust or wear are found, the rigging
should be replaced. Rod rigging should be examined for nicks or kinks and any
signs of fatigue where the rod enters the terminal end fitting. If any potential
problem is found, consult your Tartan Dealer.
12.7 Running Rigging
Running rigging comprises the gear that is normally used in handling and
trimming sails such as sheets, guys, halyards and vangs. Main and genoa
halyards are subject to heavy loading and constant flexing as they pass over the
sheave at the head of the mast and turning blocks at the foot of the mast. Over a
period of time, the constant flexing tends to fatigue the metal. Consequently,
halyards should be examined regularly for signs of stress or broken strands.
When signs of wear appear, the halyard should be replaced. Again, the end
fitting on each halyard should be examined carefully. On wire halyards with rope
tails, the splice, which joins the wire and rope sections, tends to be a point of
wear and possible weakness. This splice should be checked regularly.
Rope halyards are typically not subject to wear as severe as wire halyards, but
should be examined several times each season. The end fitting should be
checked each time the yacht is sailed to ensure it closes and locks smoothly and
securely. The splice at the end fitting should also be checked with each sail.