I was reading the catalina 36 owners manual last night and discovered that it is recommend that the standing riging be replaced every five years. Can aynbody comment on this. The life span of the riging seems very short to me. Has anybody done this recently and what was the cost?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
B
Brian
That does seem short
I am no expert on this, so keep waiting for a response from someone who does. But I couldn't help but chime in to say that seems like a really short lifespan. Better safe than sorry I guess. I think how often you sail the boat would have a huge impact on how often you change the rigging for starters. I can say I have no idea how old the rigging is on my 81 Hunter right now, and if I don't see any visible deterioration while inspecting the rigging in the next 5 years, I won't replace it. I hope that isn't asking for trouble, anyone who thinks I am please respond.
I am no expert on this, so keep waiting for a response from someone who does. But I couldn't help but chime in to say that seems like a really short lifespan. Better safe than sorry I guess. I think how often you sail the boat would have a huge impact on how often you change the rigging for starters. I can say I have no idea how old the rigging is on my 81 Hunter right now, and if I don't see any visible deterioration while inspecting the rigging in the next 5 years, I won't replace it. I hope that isn't asking for trouble, anyone who thinks I am please respond.
T
tom
ten years
I have read in some books that for ocean use the rigging should be no more than ten years old. Also the book said that warm salty conditions required more frequent replacement than cooler fresh water conditions. A couple of months ago I looked at a cape dory 30 that had lost it's upper mast due to a toggle failure. The wires had been replaced and for whatever reason they hadn't replaced the toggles. I have seen 20+ year old boats in freshwater with the original rigging. I definately wouldn't go offshore if I had any doubts about the rigging. Tom
I have read in some books that for ocean use the rigging should be no more than ten years old. Also the book said that warm salty conditions required more frequent replacement than cooler fresh water conditions. A couple of months ago I looked at a cape dory 30 that had lost it's upper mast due to a toggle failure. The wires had been replaced and for whatever reason they hadn't replaced the toggles. I have seen 20+ year old boats in freshwater with the original rigging. I definately wouldn't go offshore if I had any doubts about the rigging. Tom
J
Julio
Salt: 10 to 15 years; Fresh: 15+
It's the swages that typically fail. For salt water use, you should inspect the swages for corrosion and cracking annually after 5 years. (Yes, the ones at the spreaders and mast head too..) If you are not comfortable doing your own inspection, have a rigger do it. It's not that expensive, and cheaper than losing a mast.
It's the swages that typically fail. For salt water use, you should inspect the swages for corrosion and cracking annually after 5 years. (Yes, the ones at the spreaders and mast head too..) If you are not comfortable doing your own inspection, have a rigger do it. It's not that expensive, and cheaper than losing a mast.
L
LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com
That's my understanding too
The riggers I know have said that 10 years is the rule of thumb for replacement, especially in salt water. Freshwater areas can go for much longer, especially if the climate is temperate. I know the rigging on my (now sold) 1973 C 27 was at the point of needing replacement within the next couple years though it showed no signs of problems (I did replace the lower chainplates a few years ago). LaDonna
The riggers I know have said that 10 years is the rule of thumb for replacement, especially in salt water. Freshwater areas can go for much longer, especially if the climate is temperate. I know the rigging on my (now sold) 1973 C 27 was at the point of needing replacement within the next couple years though it showed no signs of problems (I did replace the lower chainplates a few years ago). LaDonna
B
Bruce
Effect of freeze / thaw cycles
Apparently, if the rig wires get wet and then freeze, the H2O expansion can crack swages due to internal pressure. In certain climates, this process gets repeated often during the course of a winter. Some have recommended storing the stays/shrouds indoors to prevent this cycle.
Apparently, if the rig wires get wet and then freeze, the H2O expansion can crack swages due to internal pressure. In certain climates, this process gets repeated often during the course of a winter. Some have recommended storing the stays/shrouds indoors to prevent this cycle.
D
Don
A agree with 15 years.
I sold my last boat to a friend. It now has rigging over 23 years old and still going strong. My present boat has 16 year old rigging that I am changing soon due to a upper shroud that has been kinked. A yearly inspection should be done. Look out for cracked chainplates and tangs as well as meathooks on shrouds. One exception is if you have a tall rig with a bobstay, change it every 10 years in salt water. Due to the location, a bobstay collects salt water in the bottom fitting and corrodes inside. A bluewater cruiser might change rigging more ofter, but that isn't me (yet).
I sold my last boat to a friend. It now has rigging over 23 years old and still going strong. My present boat has 16 year old rigging that I am changing soon due to a upper shroud that has been kinked. A yearly inspection should be done. Look out for cracked chainplates and tangs as well as meathooks on shrouds. One exception is if you have a tall rig with a bobstay, change it every 10 years in salt water. Due to the location, a bobstay collects salt water in the bottom fitting and corrodes inside. A bluewater cruiser might change rigging more ofter, but that isn't me (yet).
J
Jack Tyler
Many variables, including who is recommending
Rick, how are the Catalina swages formed? And what's the wire (304 or 316)? And at what level of useage is 5 years recommended? In fresh as well as salt water? Boston, Florida and Seattle, too? I've heard/read many numbers mentioned but seen no clear clinical evidence that even attempts to control for the variables, so it's hard for me to believe 7 years for Florida rigging is valid, or 'worst case' or perhaps just conservative. I'm replacing my steering cables right now and notice Edson wants me to inspect, adjust and lubricate my chain, idlers and wire every month; more often if the boat is in charter. Well, sure they do - this just about eliminates unforseen breakage and unhappy customers. I suspect Frank and the guys/gals at Catalina have something similar in mind. Sounds like they are answering the question: 'What's the very shortest lifespan we can imagine?' Jack
Rick, how are the Catalina swages formed? And what's the wire (304 or 316)? And at what level of useage is 5 years recommended? In fresh as well as salt water? Boston, Florida and Seattle, too? I've heard/read many numbers mentioned but seen no clear clinical evidence that even attempts to control for the variables, so it's hard for me to believe 7 years for Florida rigging is valid, or 'worst case' or perhaps just conservative. I'm replacing my steering cables right now and notice Edson wants me to inspect, adjust and lubricate my chain, idlers and wire every month; more often if the boat is in charter. Well, sure they do - this just about eliminates unforseen breakage and unhappy customers. I suspect Frank and the guys/gals at Catalina have something similar in mind. Sounds like they are answering the question: 'What's the very shortest lifespan we can imagine?' Jack
- Status
- Not open for further replies.