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Sail & Rigging - Replacement Uppers/Lowers |
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Join Date: 12 June 2007
Posts: 39 |
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Replacement Uppers/Lowers Dear Professor Had a look at old threads but couldnt find relevant information: Standing rigging replaced on my 38 in 1999. I replaced fore and backstay in 2011. I am due an insurance survey , but have heard the electronic wire tester is unreliable , with false positives and negatives. Would you advise mast out replacement of uppers and lowers - we do a bit of racing so get fully loaded up on occassion - or can they remain sound for 20 years ? (is there a way to replace them with mast in situ ?) Thanks Alasdair Billyon GBR9315 |
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547 |
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Dear Alasdair |
Join Date: 12 June 2007
Posts: 39 |
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Thanks Lars There is an electical tool which assesses strand/wire integrity - attenuation of current = broken strands - which therefore need replacing. My Rigger used one of these on some other yachts and got a lot of current drop , so put it across a new wire and found it also failed , thus has no faith in its diagnostic provenance. If I commission survey and all areas you describe are found to be sound , is it sensible to sail on with 13 year old shrouds even if the insurance company is happy ? Alasdair |
Join Date: 16 May 2009
Posts: 252 |
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Alasdair: |
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547 |
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Geoff |
Join Date: 12 June 2007
Posts: 39 |
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Dear Geoff ,Professor
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Join Date: 05 August 2010
Posts: 167 |
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We too will have to change the standing rigging soon. We too have been "advised" that the rig is insured, and if worse comes to worst, just to let the whole rig go under, and get the sum for a new one.
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Join Date: 25 July 2012
Posts: 30 |
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Hi everyone, Without trying to upset an applecart I would like to mention that chainplate failure is probably the most common factor associated with loss of masts. Where they (the chainplates) pass through the deck, they are not only out of sight for inspection but in a perfect place for crevice corrosion to do its work. If you go to the trouble and expense of changing the rig to satisfy the insurance, maybe it is worth clarifying if chainplates are part of the rig (or if failure occurs you may not be covered ! ) David 43/12 |
Join Date: 01 February 2007
Posts: 234 |
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Hi Everyone. My 411 was re rigged 14 years ago with swage terminals. I recently asked Pantaneus about the cover on my rig if it came down. They are in my opinion and I speak from experence in dealing with them the best yacht insurers around. The message was change the rig and be sure you are fully covered. The cost of new a rig, new sails, any damage to hull caused by the demasting, electronics that need replacing etc is huge relative to the sales value of our yachts. Not to mention the problems if it comes down far away from your base. So I have just re rigged using sta lock terminals. I now feel at peace when I go out. John B 411 -010 |
Join Date: 15 April 2011
Posts: 396 |
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Dear All, I have the original standing rigging on my boat with the exception of the fore- and back stays. I am loathe to replace this beautiful rod rigging - at about 6 1/2 feet above the deck it becomes a foil shape. Having had rod rigging on my last boat with the typical ball at the tip, I think the threads of this rod rigging offer longer service and afford better inspection. Professor, do you have an opinion? Am I crazy? Chris Mabel's Casse Tete 43/003 |
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547 |
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Chris |
Join Date: 15 April 2011
Posts: 396 |
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Dear Professsor, Thank you. I do not know what is at the spreaders. I plan to step the mast this winter so I can do a thorough inspection of the entire rig and replace what needs replacing; at that time I will inspect the spreaders and report back. I cannot see going out in the ocean without taking care to be sure the rig is in excellent condition. Chris |
Join Date: 16 May 2009
Posts: 252 |
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Dear All, I have the original standing rigging on my boat with the exception of the fore- and back stays. I am loathe to replace this beautiful rod rigging - at about 6 1/2 feet above the deck it becomes a foil shape. Having had rod rigging on my last boat with the typical ball at the tip, I think the threads of this rod rigging offer longer service and afford better inspection. Professor, do you have an opinion? Am I crazy? Chris Mabel's Casse Tete 43/003 Chris: |
Join Date: 25 July 2012
Posts: 30 |
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Chris, I am afraid I have to agree with Geoff – sentiment will not keep your mast up. Stainless steel is both good and bad and when it is bad you seldom know it; it breaks down from the inside in many cases. As Lars said you can dye test and if you go to the next level you X-ray, but at the end of the day you are still putting your trust into something that has passed its expiry date. Such a shame, it really is beautiful. Good luck Chris. David Swan II, 43/12 |
Join Date: 15 April 2011
Posts: 396 |
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Dear David and Geoff, Thank you for your concern and thoughtful notes. You both make good arguments for safety which cannot be disputed. Like you, I am concerned about the safety of the rig, which implies the safety of the crew - my family. This fall, I have sailed my boat a few days in protected waters under controlled conditions. When it comes time to sail in the Atlantic, I need to know that the rig is sound. My current plan stands to the extent that I will step the mast and examine the standing and running rigging in detail. That may lead me to replace it all. I know, for certain, that at least some of the running rigging needs to be replaced. With regard to the standing rigging, for those who have replaced it, have you used wire rope or rod? My preference is for rod rigging, however, that means someoone else does the rigging while using wire rope means that I can install everything. Thanks again. Chris Mabel's Casse Tete 43/003 |
Join Date: 16 May 2009
Posts: 252 |
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Chris: |
Join Date: 02 January 2008
Posts: 1547 |
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Chris |
Join Date: 15 April 2011
Posts: 396 |
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Dear Professor, Thank you. I spoke with a rigging company today and was pleasantly surprised about the "ballpark" cost of replacing the rod rigging. Despite this, I still plan to carefully examine what I have before making any hasty decisions. For example, if I plan to sail only in the Chesapeake this coming season, I would not be concerned about the rig - assuming a positive inspection. Alternatively, a sail to Bermuda or the northern east coast of the US would force me to be very sure about the decision. If I do decide to make the change, I will surely contact you, as it seems I always do, before making any decisions. To complicate issues, the chain-plates have been replaced and need to be examined for size - they seem a little small to me - very scientific, I know! With warm regards, Chris |
Join Date: 05 August 2010
Posts: 167 |
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Hi all,
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Join Date: 16 May 2009
Posts: 252 |
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Martin: |
Join Date: 02 February 2007
Posts: 202 |
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Dear all, our 41 dates back from 1975. Referring to a discussion we had with Lars back in 1987 he was warning us about the risk of cracks with old Norseman terminals (on wire), and we could experience that with our backstay changed in 1996 were there was a nice big crack along the whole top terminal... Lucky we did not lose the mast!
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