Roger Long wrote:
I would certainly agree with 10 years in salt water although very few
people actually do. I can't remember seeing or hearing of a dismasted
coastal cruiser.

You don't get out enough. Happens several times a year in
pretty much every major sailing area. I know of 2 on the
Chesapeake last year, for example, and that's just the ones
I heard of (happened to friend of a friend etc etc).





rhys wrote:
There's the obvious eyeball "tests" of looking for cracks, rust
weeping, deformation of holes, fraying wire, terminals with
suspiciously shiny wire, etc.


Another key to look for is uneven lay to the strands.

Most faults in standing rigging require at least a
magnifying glass to spot. I use a magnifyer plus a 18V xenon
work light.


There's the dye tests. Interpreting those is a rigger's art.


Not really. The dye is just to show smaller cracks &
porosities than could be seen with just a magnifiier &
bright light.

There's the X-ray tests. Even more so.

I have 1/4" original (33 years) 7 x 19 standing rigging all around in
freshwater with good quality Merriman open turnbuckles which I inspect
and lube yearly. I eyeball the entire spar before launch, paying
particular attention to cotter pins, tangs, etc. My insurance company
isn't making a fuss, and the boat passes survey requirements.



I'm surprised some of the tangs don't have elongated
holes... bet you've replaced pins a couple of times... 33
years would make me nervous, but the expense of replacing
standing rigging would also make me hesitate.

IMHO there's no reason to replace standing rigging without
some indications from proper inspection.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King