Yeah - and I remember that day going around Cape Canaveral where we were jibing back and forth up the coast...during every jibe the rig made a "POP!"...it was nerve racking.

Yeah we had "POPs" and "BANGs" and the occassional "CREEEEP"

turns out that it was our spin pole bridle wire. I think we could count the strands left on one hand when we got to the island.

We're putting the new hound on this week. I'll swing by lowes and pickup the washers. Thanks for the tips as always fellas.

Anyone know where I can find a large rivet gun at a reasonable price? Of course, I'd rather just borrow one, since I know they're not cheap. I've got a hand rivet gun, but I don't think that would put enough force on the Monel rivet for the hound.

The Catsailor online store for $89.95

I install a lot of s/s rivets up to 1/4". This is the only way to go...

-Mike

Do you have a Northern Tool around there? 20$ will get you a 2 handled baby that will pop a SS rivet w/o any problem.

Yeah, I'd seen that $89 one, but this would be the only thing I would (possibly ever) use it for. That tool cost twice as much as the repair part!

And my hound isn't NEARLY as bad as some of the rest of ya'lls! It is just starting to stretch. I saw BK's once, and the crack was almost all the way through! Still held strong for the rest of the season...