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Standing rig age question

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tidesailer
1st Mate

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USA
53 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/18/2010 : 08:49:26

I have a 81 C25 where the standing rigging visually looks good.Does anyone still have the original standing rig? I remember Catalina Direct recomending it to be changed(being as old as it is) after a period of service.But if it looks good should it be changed due to its age? Thanks for the input.....Don

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 09:41:10

If it has no kinks or meathooks and a very careful inspection of the swages shows no corrosion it maybe OK, but even if it is strictly a freshwater boat with only seasonal usage, 30 years is a long time. Pearl is on her second rigging and I am thinking about replacing hers next year. The failure point is usually hidden corrosion or fatigue in the swages and out of sight, and the cost of failure is very high.

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 09:42:50

I still have the original standing rigging on my 84. The PO very rarely sailed in anything but very gentle conditions. I will be following this thread with interest to see what the resident sages have to say about this!

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 11:25:32

Passage ('85) was 15 when I bought her, and had probably always lived in salt water. I replaced all standing rigging about a year later, even though there were no signs of trouble. As Dave B says, a common trouble-spot is the cable inside the swages where salt and/or acid rain can promote "crevice corrosion".

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 13:08:01

Personally, I'd replace them. You can't see the areas that will fail inside the swage. Catalina Direct sells a nice kit that does the job easily.

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Renzo
Admiral

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USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 13:45:59

I still have the original standing on my '84 and have sailed and raced in a lot of heavy air. However I am the original owner so I know that the rig has been well cared for and the boat has always been in fresh water. That being said, I may still replace the rigging a couple of years from now.

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wegman
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 13:59:00

I agree with the previous posters that it would be prudent to replace the standing rigging after 29 years even if it looks perfect. Most riggers will say replace after 20 years in fresh water.

However, in the meantime I would carefully examine all the wires, swages, tangs, and chainplates. Use a good magnifying glass. You can use a dye (I have heard of dilute iodine being used) on the rigging - it will fill tiny cracks and make them more visible. I would take apart the turnbuckles and examine all the inner parts. Chainplates are sometimes overlooked, as are the tangs. It would be a good idea to remove all the mast hardware and rebed and reinstall. Also, rub a tissue over the wires - if there are "meathooks" they will catch on the paper and reveal their presence. One broken strand convicts the whole wire.
The good news is that with its mast tabernacle, it is easy to lower and raise the mast, so you can work comfortably and safely at deck level instead of swinging dangerously from a bosun's chair high off the deck.
Good luck with your project.
Best,
Jerry

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tidesailer
1st Mate

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USA
53 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 15:28:31

From all the input I believe I will change it all and buy the kit, Good point over 30 years old is over 30 years old. I have my c25 out right now doing a epoxy barrier job and paint on the bottom.Nows the time to change it.Its a small price to pay to eliminate a serious mishap.Thank you all for your great input.....c25 is a great boat as well as the help we get on this sight...thanks...Don

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3442 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 20:39:22

I am also considering replacing my rigging.

I think I read somewhere that after about 12 years or so the rigging should be replaced. But that rule of thumb seems too early as most on this Forum have waited much longer before doing it and I have not heard of anyone experiencing a failure. Best to do a careful inspection but since you really can't see all that is going on inside the swaged fitting, I would think even if the rigging looks good, it's probably a good idea to start considering replacement after 15+ years. Looks like my '89 is well past that.....it's something I need to do.

This is not to influence anyone to delay relacement but had to share this bit locked in the archives somewhere. You recall that guy, Dave, who many years ago reported having maintenance on his Cat 25 (believe it was an '84) done at a marina. When the operator was raising his boat off of the supports, the boat slipped on the travel arm support straps and the forward stay hit the travel arm horizontal channel. The impact you would think would have been enough to snap the forward stay considering the stabdaing rigging was 20+ yrs old but instead of it snapping, the stay pulled up the fiberglas deck where the stay attaches. He had a photo on this Forum showing what looked like "Jaws" with the about 8" or more of the deck angled up from the deck/Hull. What a sight ! The marina cancelled the maintenance charges and paid for his boat. In this case...too bad his stay was such good shape.

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tidesailer
1st Mate

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USA
53 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2010 : 20:53:35

Sounds amazingly strong for its age but that is good news (accept for the owner)it would be nice if thier was some type of a calebrated spec and pull test...thanks for the posting

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2010 : 05:08:28

I had my standing rigging replaced 2 years ago. Prior to the replacement, my uneducated eye detected no issues with the rigging. One of the yard managers told me to take a very close look at the swage fittings with my "good glasses". Needless to say, numerous hairline cracks on the swage fittings provided the motivation to replace the rigging.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.