Standing rigging

[Tim]

How often should the standing rigging be replaced. West Marine recommends every 7 years. My 1989 Catalina 27 has the original rigging and it appears to be in good condition. I am writing because a friend of mine with a 1988 Capri 22 broke an upper shroud in moderate wind and the mast broke. My boat has always been in freshwater but I do like to take it out in all kinds of weather. How much will this cost and how hard is it to do on as Catalina 27. Should I replace my standing rigging? Thanks. Tim

 

[Steve]

The usual answer "it depends"'

West Marine is correct. Standing rigging should be replaced every 3-7 years depending on environment (warm, salt environments like CA/FL being worst), sailing (stress) conditions, etc. Corrosion and failure usually occurs inside end swedges where steel cables attach to fittings and signs of deterioration may not be visible. There are dye kits you can buy to illuminate cracks, etc. One simple method is to run a cotton ball up and down the wires (as high as you can reach) and see if it snags on any broken or damaged wire fibers. In any case - if your standing rigging is 1989 vintage, my suggestion would be to completely replace it as a pure safety measure. I removed all the standing rigging on my '86 C30, shipped it to Catalina Direct, and they measured it and created an exact duplicate. The replacement set (including all turnbuckles and fittings) was back in my hands in about 10 days and cost me around $800. I'm sure a new set for a C27 would cost less. Good luck!

 

[Bob Horvath]

Other considerations

Also check all the deck fittings. With an old boat the I-bolds are likely to be fatigued.