I have a 1988 Mark II Catalina 30 TRBS. I think the standing rigging is original. I have the mast down and had a local rigger look at the stays and fittings. He said there is no evidence of cracks or damage but there is discoloration and I sould replace the standing rigging sooner than later. Any thoughts out there? How long has your standing rigging been up? Best place to get replacement rigging? Any point to just doing the uppers and waiting on the lowers? I have the solid transom with split backstay. Anyone convert this to an adjustable backstay? Thanks for the feedback. Art Femenella Sanctuary 1988 Cat 30 TRBS
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Do It Now
Art You're in saltwater. The boat and it's mast are NOT your rigger's. 5-7 years in saltwater is the projected life expectancy, though many have gone much longer. Why would you even question such a basic safety issue? I know, the $$. Not unreasonable. But how much is a tow and a new mast gonna put ya back? The mast is down already. Do it, your family will love you for it. Stu
Art You're in saltwater. The boat and it's mast are NOT your rigger's. 5-7 years in saltwater is the projected life expectancy, though many have gone much longer. Why would you even question such a basic safety issue? I know, the $$. Not unreasonable. But how much is a tow and a new mast gonna put ya back? The mast is down already. Do it, your family will love you for it. Stu
Real life
Stu has good points; if it's a safety issue you should err on the conservative side. That being said, I know most people do not replace their standing rigging even every 10 years. I also have never seen a dismasting on anything other than race boats in local waters. I've sailed around Vancouver Island twice on borderline aging rigging, after having inspected it carefully. As an extreme example, I've heard of boats taking on 30 knots of breeze (apparent higher) on much, much older rigging (I won't even share how old). Now my point is not to be reckless, and I still think dispensing advice erring on the side of safety is the right thing to do. It's just that we all have different ideas of risk tolerance and rigging can safely be sailed longer than some guidelines might suggest, as long as careful inspection is carried out regularly. The flip side, is that since the rig is down, it's really not that expensive to replace - and it's easy. At the end of the analysis, replace if you have time and money - you certainly won't regret it. Best, Trevor
Stu has good points; if it's a safety issue you should err on the conservative side. That being said, I know most people do not replace their standing rigging even every 10 years. I also have never seen a dismasting on anything other than race boats in local waters. I've sailed around Vancouver Island twice on borderline aging rigging, after having inspected it carefully. As an extreme example, I've heard of boats taking on 30 knots of breeze (apparent higher) on much, much older rigging (I won't even share how old). Now my point is not to be reckless, and I still think dispensing advice erring on the side of safety is the right thing to do. It's just that we all have different ideas of risk tolerance and rigging can safely be sailed longer than some guidelines might suggest, as long as careful inspection is carried out regularly. The flip side, is that since the rig is down, it's really not that expensive to replace - and it's easy. At the end of the analysis, replace if you have time and money - you certainly won't regret it. Best, Trevor
ThanksGuys
I knew in my gut I should do it, but your confirmations of my thoughts helped me past the paralysis of analysis. I sail my boat to relax and I probably would not relax all season just waiting for something to happen.
I knew in my gut I should do it, but your confirmations of my thoughts helped me past the paralysis of analysis. I sail my boat to relax and I probably would not relax all season just waiting for something to happen.
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