Replacing Rigging Wires

[Aquaria]

My rigging wires are now 20 years old. Now I read in different magazines that the wires should be exchanged after 20 years of service, no matter what, even if the wires and its terminals still look fine. Â* Somewhere else I read something about 25.000 miles that recommend a change.Â*

Of corse, Rigging specialists urgently recommend a change (to make a living), neighbouring boat owners (older boats) not even thought about a change.Â*

In our case the outer strands of the fore stay wire show some slight signs of chafe at the top end (caused by the aluminum profile), I got the recommendation to replace the forestay. That makes sence. But as the wires in general loose lots of their flexibility over the years, it is strongly advised to replace all wires at is it not a good idea to mix old and new wires in the rigging.

How should I count these 20 years. The rigging 20 years in place? The wire 20 years old but half of the time stowed away in the shed?

Any other advice and recommendations?

Uwe

SY Aquaria

Â*

[redbopeep]

While properly maintained galvanized wire can last far longer, if the wire is stainless steel 1x19, 20 yrs in service is too long imho, especially set into swages... Fatigue and crevice corrosion are often invisible until things break. If you run your hand along the wire and can find broken strands, know there are more inside where you cannot see. In service means installed on the boat. Rocking gently at the slip causes fatigue just as sailing does. I know sailors who choose to have a shroud or two destructively tested by a rigging shop to ascertain the condition of a rig. The freq. of such testing is 5 yrs service.

good luck.

[Aquaria]

Originally Posted by redbopeep' date='27 April 2010 - 05:12 PM

... If you run your hand along the wire and can find broken strands, know there are more inside where you cannot see...

... suppose, you mean halyard wires, where broken strands can cause bloody fingers... We don't have them on board.

Yes, in place is installed (normally from April to November).

But it is a good idea to have a shroud destructively tested!

Thanks!

Uwe

SY Aquaria

[redbopeep]

I mean any stay or shroud can have broken wires along its length. Inspect all to see.

Your rig is so old that I wouldn't consider destructive testing. I would only dt on newer rig. jmho.

[SVLOKI]

I would recommend a careful inspection of all the rigging when it is in your shed. Clean it all thoroughly and check for pitting, cracks, bends, hole elongation, or chafe. Dye penetrants can be used to check for small cracks. If any of these faults are present, I would replace. Often people neglect careful inspection of the other hardware when replacing rigging wire. Remove and inspect the mast tangs, bolts, compression tubes, etc. Take the spreaders off and inspect the supporting hardware. Rigging wire can last a long time if properly set up, tensioned, and cared for. A local rigger told me most rigs are lost from other causes than wire or swages.

Fair Winds!