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rhys wrote:
On 2 Jan 2006 17:30:17 -0800, wrote:

My 28' S2 was out of the water and the mast was down and I had no
intention of replacing the rigging even after 20 yrs cuz it looked ok
even on close inspection. However, I read an article in the BOATUS
insurance mag about rigging cracks so I got out my 10x magnifier and
looked even closer. Damn if I didnt find a crack in a SS fitting. I
looked more and used very fine sand paper to remove some brown stains.
Under these stains were cracks and the stains were where the SS had
become non-SS in the cracks. About half the fittings had cracks (20
yrs in salt water in FL). Next, i tried dye testing which showed
nothing even on the known cracks. Took the fittings to work where I
have more sophisticated equipment and looked at the fittings under
various Mag. Tried to grind out the cracks but they went all the way
through so they were real. I replaced all the standing rigging and
lifelines.

I doubt one out of ten recreational sailors would take an inspection
that far. The fact you did has probably saved you a nasty and
potentially dangerous episode.

Who carries bolt (shroud) cutters aboard? I do.

R.

I do.

Gaz