The fitting that feeds the backstay and fold out line into the aka on the port side broke two weeks ago. It was the weld between the plate and the "tube" that broke when the fold out line was tightened. Inspecting the other one on the starboard side showed a crack in the 15 millimeter long weld under the bolt where the tension is highest.
On the original parts on my boat the welds have been made without applying any addition material, so they are very small. A new fitting from Quorning have welds of the same length below the bolt, but they are several millimeters thick, because material has been applied during the welding.
The one that only had a minor crack in the weld has been welded by a local welder. According to Quorning the weld must not be too strong. If the forces are too high it is better the fitting is broken instead of something else on the aka.
I do have pictures of original and new fitting if anyone is interested.
Please click on any of the photos to see them enlarged!
