Rigging Lifespan?

[RichH]

............. is it possible to safely re-use the wire by cutting off the swage fittings and then replacing them with the swageless fittings like the Norseman or equivalent assuming the wire doesn't have any fraying or obvious corrosion?

Yes it is. I do this; but, with qualifications .

For a rated coastal design with an apparent structural SAFETY FACTOR of at least TWO, or 'blue water' design with FS≥ 3 to 4 .........
To do this with some guesstimate of structural integrity, its best to have a precise LENGTH record for comparison to any permanent elastic deformation in the wire (indicators of the beginnings of ductile failure or a fatigue/ductile/corrosion failure combo). This is done by accurately measuring the wire assembly + plates (with a defined applied preload) during its 'new' application and then comparing that length measurement later on when deciding to 'risk' just changing the terminal connections, chain plates, etc.

Also included in the length / permanent strain evaluation should be a proof loading to LESS THAN the wire, etc. yield strength - then measure for precise length comparisons while under some/same pre-defined load (to keep the wire 'straight' during the precise measurement).
I would also suggest a 'proof load' (in place, on the boat) at less than the YIELD STRESS value ... you can do this remotely to avoid the 'snapback' if the proof loading uncovers hidden failure. Hint: loading the wire at 90°, dividing the applied load by the SINE of the apparent deflection angle ... while watching your tension gage through BINOCULARS while standing well beyond the maximum length of the wire 'rebound' potential (so if the wire 'goes', your head and other important parts dont get cut off of your body).

For an 'inshore' design at FS = ~1.5, just change the wire, often.

 

[Ken Cross]

Where do you sail?

Saltwater or fresh?

Had a freshwater rigger tell me he has never seen a freshwater boat rig fail, even on 40 year old boats unless it was for damage or improper install.

Saltwater boats; 10 to 15 years is the 'accepted standard'

Here in the Pacific Northwest, rigging is known to last lots longer than in say Florida. We have lots of cool fresh water rain. I suspect that our weather has a great deal to do with rigging lifespan.

Ken

 

[bffatcat]

rigging!

As the original poster of the 40 year old mast comments, here is my 2c When I first saw the boat it was sitting in a field along side lake champlain for how long I have no Idea. I had a local yard do some minor tabbing work and inspect the standing rigging which was pronounced ok by the yard before I shipped it to MA. This was in 2000. I replaced all the standing rigging in 2007 I replaced the running rigging immediately upon purchase. When the boat is hauled I will look the mast over myself. If I spot anything that looks questionable, I will buy a new aluminum mast quoted at $900 Seems to make more sense than paying a professional inspector $700 to inspect the 40 year old one

 

[thinwater]

Here in the Pacific Northwest, rigging is known to last lots longer than in say Florida. We have lots of cool fresh water rain. I suspect that our weather has a great deal to do with rigging lifespan.

Ken

There is MUCH truth in this. I inspect coastal facilities from NY to TX, including FL, and the corrosion rates are highest in FL. Up the east coast, much less. Temperature matters. On shore wind matters (losts of east wind in S FL, driving the salt spray inland, including marinas--rinsing the boat down may not even help much) (west and south winds are more common further north, and east wind comes with rain).

The answer is probably 10-60 years, depending....