Westerly Group Safety Notice

Westerly rigging failure

There was a problem, but so long as you are aware, it is not difficult to put right. The Notice below was issued by Westerly Marine Construction Ltd in 1996/7

Owners of W33 may have a similar problem with u bolt nuts

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Notice Begins

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE OWNERS OF THE FOLLOWING YACHTS IN THE WESTERLY RANGE BUILT BETWEEN 1983 AND 1991.

SEAHAWK OCEANDREAM OCEANQUEST OCEANRANGER FALCON KESTREL CORSAIR

Westerly Group actively pursues a policy of continual product and production improvement and development. From this process and in conjunction with the WOA, our attention has been drawn to a potential problem with some of the earlier designs that could be potentially dangerous.

The problem has been identified as the aft lower chainplate of the U-bolt type which have not been cranked. Due to the loads on this fitting and that it does not fully align with the shroud, a levering effect can cause the fitting to break at the thread. As this is below deck, and therefore not apparent from a cursory inspection, it is only possible to see a potential failure by the removal of the fitting from the deck.

The WOA has advised its members of the problem. However this information may not have reached all owners of affected designs. It is therefore hoped that this notice will rectify the situation.

Westerly Group have now designed a fitting which has a larger diameter rod and deck plate and is cranked to the correct angle.

Notice Ends