Capt. Rob wrote:
Rod rigging is more often used aboard racing boats than on cruising
boats.
While an argument can be made for rod rigging lasting longer than wire
rigging


In my research for my book I interviewed 5 surveyors in NY, PA and FL
who specialized in sailboats. ALL prefered rod rigging over traditional
wire. ALL felt that it's virtually impervious to failure, so long as
the fittings were updated and NONE had seen a failure and only two had
even heard of rod rigging rigs failing and in both cases it was
actually the chainplate that had failed! ALL had inspected rod rigged
boats from the early 80's that were found to be in excellent condition.
Of course my boat is not very old and her rigging is like new with
terminals updated in 2004.
Bob, it's best to actually do some real research instead of posting
superficial info from Sailnet that you coppied and pasted.

RB
35s5
NY

In fact, regardless of whether you have rod or wire rope, there will be
failures but failures of either are rare. It is most often the rest of
the stuff that breaks. Inspections of rod rigging, by even the most
reputable of surveyors, is suspect because of the difficulty of finding
evidence of impending failure, unlike wire rope. While rod is stronger,
nicer looking and lighter, it is also more expensive, less user friendly
and spares are not normally kept onboard. It is therefore less
appealing to anyone but racers in pursuit of lighter faster boats and
prepared to accept the added cost, inconvenience and risk.

Gaz