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.



Until recently I was of the same mind but the more I study these synthetics
the more I like them. From what I see rod and wire are designed with a
safety factor of about 4:1. The Dynex Dux has to be higher than 5:1 to
minimize creep. Also with steel you can't see what is going on down in that
terminal socket. At least you can see all the rope and keep an eye on UV
and abrasion. The one place I am worried is at the spreaders where it is
hard to check.

Another good point is you can easily stow a length of line and make up a new
stay in a couple of hours.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com