Jeff wrote:
Just curious - are the mechanical fittings statistically better?

That would be an interesting question to ask an insurance company...


... I suppose it could be shown that they are stronger (if properly
done!) but is there actually any evidence that boats with normal swages
are far more likely to loose the rig?

I think more likely, but dunno about 'far more likely.' Actually, I
think mechanical wire end fittings are not stronger than swages, just
more reliable... a swage may have far greater breaking strength, but
then again it may not. Also, due to being able to be made & un-made,
they are more durable.


... I don't know of many failures
that are caused by swages letting go under normal conditions - most seem
to be other components (spreaders, etc), poor maintenance, or the
extreme stresses of heavy weather racing.

Hmm... I've know a few swage failures, a few other things you mention,
and not one single case of a mast coming down from 'extreme stress of
heavy weather racing,' unless you include things like buckling at the
spinnaker pole fitting from death-rolling in 30+ knots.


The one argument that makes sense is that mechanical fittings can be
inspected and reset by a skilled owner. This would seem to make them
cost effective for the long term owner, as well as good insurance for
the self reliant cruiser. But for the "past-its-prime" boat, relegated
to daysails at the family cottage, I don't see the value.

IMHO it depends mostly on how long one plans to own the boat, and how
comfortable one is with the cash outlay. Does a 'past-its-prime'
daysailing-only family boat need a mast that doesn't fall down?

Fresh Breezes- Doug King