Repairing a cracked backstay swedge (sp?)

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

I have a cracked lower swedge on the backstay of my Hunter 33 (1981 - Cherubini). The backstay attaches to a triangular s/s piece (tang?) from which it then splits before attaching to the hull. The crack is in the swedged piece that is the lower end of the length from mast tip to tang.I am wondering if instead of replacing the entire length, I could instead have the cracked swedge'd piece cut off, and another exact piece re-swedge'd (spelling is taking a beating, sorry), and INCREASE the length somehow, of the 2 turnbuckle assembly's at the deck, or recut the tang a bit longer, or something that SEEMS like a smaller job than replacing the backstay??Thanks in advance for any advice.Bob

 

[Robert Gainer]

Why be cheap when the rig is at risk?

You can do that and add a link plate to make up the lost distance. But you will have used a wire that is as old as the original swage and the swage at the top is the same age. Of course an upper swage tends to last longer then one at the bottom of a wire but still wire is cheap so why not just replace the entire backstay.While you are at it, rigging doesn’t last forever so you might want to look at the rest of your rig and decide if you want to take a chance with old rigging especially if you are planning to go any distance.All the best,Robert Gainer

 

[Ross]

In the mean time if you are still sailing

you may consider adding a short length of new cable with "U" shape clamps and bypassing the cracked swage.

 

[Chris]

You could re-swage with a Norseman

but the whole standing rigging is the same age and subject to deterioration as well. Since you are planning an offshore passage and looking for crew, I would want to be reassured that you are not scrimping where safety is concerned befor I signed up!! ;D

 

[Bob Pullen HC-33 1981]

Thanks again for the concern.

I did have the boat completely inspected prior to the purchase. Had a rigging surveyor up the mast twice with a magnifying lens. He was surprised, but then again the previous owners were both on the anal side of preventive maintenance (thank god and his cohorts for that). The rest of the rig is in excellent shape.As for safety, the Yanmar has less than 100 hrs, just recently maintained, and ticks like a clock. The keel was pulled and all bolts replaced with larger s/s. Shaft pulled, made true. New s/s fuel tank and water tank added. New excellent 3 blade prop added by Prop shop, new main, new roller furler, new anchor line & halyards & sheets & tackle. New Radio. New Epirb. 2 new Garmin GPS with depth sounder & new laptop with Nobeltec Visual Nav software (tested and integrated with the garmin on the binnacle). Still got the charts (in waterproof tube with parallel's & compass).All the same thanks for the concern.Very thankful for the input.