Glenn,

I was on the verge of trading the remaining 1*19 to rod or aramid on my
race boat when I was made an offer that was just too good. I had
replaced the damaged backstay with spectra several seasons ago and this
also got me better tension control (win-win).

Rutu looks a lot like a blue water cruiser and I guess I have just been
through a bit too much bad weather. I really like knowing that the rig
is likely to still be standing when I can look up at it next.

My problem with the synthetic fiber shrouds is that I'm still afraid of
long term UV damage. I've had two spectra halyards fail.

I've lost rod rigging to fatigue and notch damage (never quite to
disaster - but real close).

I just guess that with the problems with abrasion and UV, I would be
leery of trying to use it to hold up the mast of a boat that I'm going
to ask to keep me well through the storm.

Watermen and their boats, they take care of each other.

Matt Colie
Lifelong Waterman, Licensed Mariner and Congenital Sailor



Glenn Ashmore wrote:
There in lies the problem. The rigging was specified in rod by my designer,
John Fox but budget constraints require that I drop back to 1x19. What I
got back from the companies bidding on it in 1x19 is considerably beefier.
Almost 50% higher minimum load.

Using an RM@30 of 60K and Larsson & Eliasson I get close to John's numbers.
Gerr's rule of thumb comes out a little lighter. Haven't quite finished
working up Toss's method but what I have so far is a little heavier.

To throw a kink in the mix, I also got some figures from Colingo for Dynex
Dux 75. Their strength figures at 20% of breaking strength come out about
the same as Rod. The up weight is about 1/5 as much and with all the
fittings the total price is about 20% less than 1x19. Even better I can
splice 12 strand braided blindfolded. If they can convince me there will
not be a problem with abrasion at the spreaders I may seriously look at
synthetic rigging.