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standing rigging
In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone
mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- |
standing rigging
prodigal1 wrote:
In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- Some insurers (most) will not insure a boat where the standing rigging is more than 8 years old, even if the boat had never been used since new. This is the position in the UK, US may be different. Makes no difference whether the rigging is wire or solid rod. Dennis. |
standing rigging
"prodigal1" wrote in message
... In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- The same issues apply. Typically, out here in SF, you need to replace the rigging after 10 years one way or another. I would assume it's the same elsewhere, although with fresh water, you might be able to go a bit longer. I wouldn't risk it, however. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
standing rigging
A Great Lakes surveyor who seemed pretty knowledgeable told us that
they never replace standing rigging out there unless some noticeable flaw is discovered. Our 1980 boat was out there from at least 1984 until we brought it to Maine last year and the rigging looks very good. I'll let you know if the mast falls down. -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... "prodigal1" wrote in message ... In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- The same issues apply. Typically, out here in SF, you need to replace the rigging after 10 years one way or another. I would assume it's the same elsewhere, although with fresh water, you might be able to go a bit longer. I wouldn't risk it, however. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
standing rigging
That sounds scary. If you wait until there's an obvious flaw, you're sailing
on thin ice IMHO. The riggers out here say just the opposite... every ten years is about right. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Roger Long" wrote in message ... A Great Lakes surveyor who seemed pretty knowledgeable told us that they never replace standing rigging out there unless some noticeable flaw is discovered. Our 1980 boat was out there from at least 1984 until we brought it to Maine last year and the rigging looks very good. I'll let you know if the mast falls down. -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... "prodigal1" wrote in message ... In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- The same issues apply. Typically, out here in SF, you need to replace the rigging after 10 years one way or another. I would assume it's the same elsewhere, although with fresh water, you might be able to go a bit longer. I wouldn't risk it, however. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
standing rigging
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. Any Great Lakes or other fresh water owners have recommendations or dismastings to report? -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... That sounds scary. If you wait until there's an obvious flaw, you're sailing on thin ice IMHO. The riggers out here say just the opposite... every ten years is about right. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Roger Long" wrote in message ... A Great Lakes surveyor who seemed pretty knowledgeable told us that they never replace standing rigging out there unless some noticeable flaw is discovered. Our 1980 boat was out there from at least 1984 until we brought it to Maine last year and the rigging looks very good. I'll let you know if the mast falls down. -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... "prodigal1" wrote in message ... In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- The same issues apply. Typically, out here in SF, you need to replace the rigging after 10 years one way or another. I would assume it's the same elsewhere, although with fresh water, you might be able to go a bit longer. I wouldn't risk it, however. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
standing rigging
On Sun, 01 Jan 2006 11:29:13 -0500, prodigal1 wrote:
In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- There's the obvious eyeball "tests" of looking for cracks, rust weeping, deformation of holes, fraying wire, terminals with suspiciously shiny wire, etc. There's the dye tests. Interpreting those is a rigger's art. 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 also inspect the chainplates and have replaced two bolts there in six years. I can see a day when that job will have to be attended to: there's a slight deformation in the hole in one plate...but I don't race it and I reef early. Even so, common sense and a sort of learned conservatism would say that I should replace the lot (except the heavy and undamaged mast) in the next five or less years. Certainly, the desire to have new sheaves and to go to new all-rope halyards is part of that. At that time, I will likely replace ALL chainplates, which is a big, nasty job, but it will allow me to service and maybe reglass and retab all the structural elements tying the plates to the hull. Brion Toss's "Rigger's Companion" is great on all this stuff, or buy a surveyor a few beers. R. |
standing rigging
No idea about reports... not my sailing area.
Out here, dismastings are not that uncommon. For example, we had a Catalina 27 that dismasted due to an almost invisible crack in a turnbuckle. I missed it, our maintenance guy missed it (and he was really looking), and the rigger missed it about six months before the rig went over. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the insurance worked. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Roger Long" wrote in message ... 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. Any Great Lakes or other fresh water owners have recommendations or dismastings to report? -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... That sounds scary. If you wait until there's an obvious flaw, you're sailing on thin ice IMHO. The riggers out here say just the opposite... every ten years is about right. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Roger Long" wrote in message ... A Great Lakes surveyor who seemed pretty knowledgeable told us that they never replace standing rigging out there unless some noticeable flaw is discovered. Our 1980 boat was out there from at least 1984 until we brought it to Maine last year and the rigging looks very good. I'll let you know if the mast falls down. -- Roger Long "Capt. JG" wrote in message ... "prodigal1" wrote in message ... In another overly long thread about the merits of the C&C33, someone mentioned rigging as a potential issue in an older boat. Would anyone care to share experience with assessing the condition of rigging on a freshwater-only sailboat? Look-fors? Tips? Sources of information? Cheers and Happy 2006! --only 16 weeks till launch day-- The same issues apply. Typically, out here in SF, you need to replace the rigging after 10 years one way or another. I would assume it's the same elsewhere, although with fresh water, you might be able to go a bit longer. I wouldn't risk it, however. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
standing rigging
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. I know of a couple, and one of them belonged to me. The exact cause was never determined but the rigging was in fact older than 10 years, close to 20 in fact. I would suggest inspection by a professional rigger every couple of years. Dismastings are no fun and it will definitely take a chunk of time out of your sailing season. Insurance companies also have a bad habit of trying to find reasons for not covering the loss. |
standing rigging
I'll second that... we got the money, but it was not an experience I would
like to duplicate. I can see their perspective, however. We did need to prove it was not really a maintenance issue. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com wrote in message ups.com... 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. I know of a couple, and one of them belonged to me. The exact cause was never determined but the rigging was in fact older than 10 years, close to 20 in fact. I would suggest inspection by a professional rigger every couple of years. Dismastings are no fun and it will definitely take a chunk of time out of your sailing season. Insurance companies also have a bad habit of trying to find reasons for not covering the loss. |
standing rigging
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 |
standing rigging
On Sun, 01 Jan 2006, DSK wrote:
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). Two boats that are kept in our marina on the L.I. Sound, in an area where folk generally do monitor and attend to the condition of their boats, were dismasted last summer, and we saw at least three others (boats ranging in size from +/- 25' to +/- 42') and, on one particularly active racing/sailing weekend, I heard of three other dismasted boats in the area while monitor the radio (and seeing SeaTow or BoatUS boats speeding to the distressed callers). |
standing rigging
Happens more than that out here...
-- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "DSK" wrote in message .. . 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 |
standing rigging
rhys wrote:
snip Brion Toss's "Rigger's Companion" is great on all this stuff, or buy a surveyor a few beers. Thanks Rhys and others. Our marina owner has been around boats all his life and his take is that unless the wire is pulling out of the swages, rigging doesn't stretch and doesn't need replacing for that reason. I'm not sure I agree. I'm guessing the gear on mine is as old as the boat (40 yrs. this year) It -looks- good, to my eye, but I'm not a surveyor. My issue is with the inner starboard shroud which appears to have been stretched. The mast is measured true, chainplates and swages appear correct but the turnbuckle is tightened completely to the end of its threads compared to the port side. No evidence of galling or overtightening on the threads. Perhaps a poor measuring job sometime in the past? I think I'm going to err on the side of caution and have it all redone. I like the idea of new sheaves and rope halyards as well. |
standing rigging
In article ,
prodigal1 wrote: My issue is with the inner starboard shroud which appears to have been stretched. The mast is measured true, chainplates and swages appear correct but the turnbuckle is tightened completely to the end of its threads compared to the port side. No evidence of galling or overtightening on the threads. Perhaps a poor measuring job sometime in the past? If it's the only shroud, that's probably the case, though inspect the upper attachment carefully. I think I'm going to err on the side of caution and have it all redone. I like the idea of new sheaves and rope halyards as well. Sometimes, the comfort of knowing it's right is worth the cost. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
standing rigging
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. |
standing rigging
"Roger Long" wrote in message ... 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. Any Great Lakes or other fresh water owners have recommendations or dismastings to report? -- Roger Long Not answering your question - but attempting to put another dimension into the discussion - Most failures on properly designed rigs are due to metal fatigue (agreed, often initiated by tiny corrosion weaknesses). So surely the prudent timing of rig replacement will depend on the degree to which the rig is over-designed? A point often ignored by insurers. A European example which I know of is the difference between a 40ft Oyster and a 40ft Beneteau, both built around 1990, with nearly identical masts. All the Oyster's main rigging was 10mm, with intermediates of 8mm. The Beneteau used 8mm with 6mm intermediates. The Oyster was advertised as a 'round the worlder', the other as a 'performance cruiser'. My (unthinking) reaction would be to life the Beneteau rigging at around 10 years, and give the Oyster nearly twice that. But then the mean streak in me came out. Instead I instituted a regime of annual *close* inspection (most of the suitable techniques have been aired already). Bottlescrew crack? See if there's an obvious cause of the fault; if you can't find a cause, replace them all. Strand gone? Search for obvious causes; if none, replace all similarly stressed wires. Under this regime all the Beneteau rigging was replaced between 8 and 12 years old (inner forestay twice). Most replacements were initiated by strand failures at the bottom swage. The Oyster changed a forestay at 10 years (yard damage bent the stay when the mast was lowered, cracking a strand at the upper swage) and the backstay sustained damage on a yacht lift. The inner forestay was replaced twice - cracks at the lower swage. All bottlescrews replaced. 25 years so far for caps and intermediates . . . I think the new owner is replacing these for long term peace of mind! I'm aware that the Oyster was about twice the displacement of the Beneteau, so the inertia stresses on the Beneteau rigging would have been higher (all that bouncing around!). So perhaps my assumption about overdesign has been amplified in this case. Whatever, my conclusions a 1. Nothing beats annual *close* inspection for checking rig safety 2. Corrosion initiates many failures (bottom swage faults most common) 3. Your chances of suffering a fault are much higher on more highly stressed rigs 4. The 'life' of a rig can be very long indeed if it is understressed (under-use or overdesign) So, thinking about all the rain we have in W Europe, my opinion (untested) is that the fresh water issue is probably secondary compared to the design issue. JimB |
standing rigging
On Tue, 3 Jan 2006 11:34:39 -0000, "News f2s"
wrote: I'm aware that the Oyster was about twice the displacement of the Beneteau, so the inertia stresses on the Beneteau rigging would have been higher (all that bouncing around!). ============================================= Perhaps not. The most important predictor of rigging stress is righting moment (resistance to heeling). A boat with a higher righting moment can carry more sail for a given wind strength, and consequently has higher rigging loads. |
standing rigging
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standing rigging
"News f2s" wrote in message ... Under this regime all the Beneteau rigging was replaced between 8 and 12 years old (inner forestay twice). Most replacements were initiated by strand failures at the bottom swage. The Oyster changed a forestay at 10 years (yard damage bent the stay when the mast was lowered, cracking a strand at the upper swage) and the backstay sustained damage on a yacht lift. The inner forestay was replaced twice - cracks at the lower swage. All bottlescrews replaced. 25 years so far for caps and intermediates . . . I think the new owner is replacing these for long term peace of mind! Sorry, senior moment there. Oyster was 1988 boat, rigging 18 yrs old - not 25! JimB |
standing rigging
"Wayne.B" wrote in message ... On Tue, 3 Jan 2006 11:34:39 -0000, "News f2s" wrote: I'm aware that the Oyster was about twice the displacement of the Beneteau, so the inertia stresses on the Beneteau rigging would have been higher (all that bouncing around!). ============================================= Perhaps not. The most important predictor of rigging stress is righting moment (resistance to heeling). A boat with a higher righting moment can carry more sail for a given wind strength, and consequently has higher rigging loads. Good point. I was assuming that fatigue was the main source of rigging failure, driven by cyclical stresses. Of course, if you're cycling around a higher stress, that matters! I also noted that the inner forestays were the weak points on both boats. It worked from slack to 'twang' while pitching to windward. Not a scientific observation, but interesting. BTW, sorry about the senior moment - the Oyster rigging was 18 yrs old . . . JimB |
standing rigging
On Sun, 01 Jan 2006 19:58:48 -0500, DSK wrote:
I'm surprised some of the tangs don't have elongated holes... bet you've replaced pins a couple of times... Yes, I carry spares and replace many cotter pins per year and some clevis pins as necessary. Others are in (visible) good shape. There's nothing currently that's elongated save for a slight deformation on a chain plate. I've replaced a couple of bolts there and I believe that improper tightening was at least partly at fault. 33 years would make me nervous, but the expense of replacing standing rigging would also make me hesitate. Yeah, it's a biggie...probably between $5,000 to $8,000 Cdn. IMHO there's no reason to replace standing rigging without some indications from proper inspection. Which I try to do. I also know the history of the boat, me being the fourth owner in the same club, and knowing that it hasn't been raced since the early '80s, just conservatively cruised on the Great Lakes. Which is not to say there might not be a major problem I can't see. So I've started to save for the season (in the next three or four) when I have everything redone, the spreaders remade, the sheaves and internal halyards replaced, and I myself will cut out and reglass the entire forward bilge/mast step area. The fact that I also sail conservatively and yet regularly take the boat out in heavy air gives me some confidence, as does the generally overbuilt qualities of an Ontario Yacht make of a C&C design from just before epoxy got expensive. G R. |
standing rigging
On Tue, 3 Jan 2006 11:34:39 -0000, "News f2s"
wrote: So, thinking about all the rain we have in W Europe, my opinion (untested) is that the fresh water issue is probably secondary compared to the design issue. I agree with most of your basic premises. Both for reasons of inertial dampening (resistance to roll) and sheer strength, I favour "upsizing" the mast and the standing rigging for ocean-going boats. Obviously, for a club racer, keep it as light as you can work with, because if it's too horrible for your class, you're unlikely to be even out there. R. |
standing rigging
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Me three.
-- Roger Long |
standing rigging
I am just a techi geek with lotsa cool toys for doing this kinda thing.
In spite of costing a bundle, it was fun . |
Cutters
"Gary" wrote in message
news:%oBuf.128055$2k.22470@pd7tw1no... Who carries bolt (shroud) cutters aboard? I do. R. I do. Gaz I carry both - the boat came with bolt cutters; the first new item I bought for the boat was cable cutters. In the course of doing some salvage on some boats which were chopped up in the yard, I had an opportunity to use my bolt cutters, which were at the boat, and not the cable cutters, which were in the storage bin at home. Lots of work... I don't want to have to clip the last few strands with dykes/lineman's pliers or anything else, all of which I have, but which aren't needed with cable cutters... L8R Skip, hoping never to use either in anger -- Morgan 461 #2 SV Flying Pig KI4MPC http://tinyurl.com/384p2 The vessel as Tehamana, as we bought her "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain |
Cutters
On Wed, 4 Jan 2006 10:52:27 -0500, "Skip Gundlach" skipgundlach at
gmail dotcom wrote: I had an opportunity to use my bolt cutters, which were at the boat, and not the cable cutters, which were in the storage bin at home. Lots of work... ================================== It sure is. As one who has had to jettison a mast and rigging on a dark and stormy night, I can tell you with a great deal of assurance that the quickest way to ditch the rig is by knocking the clevis pins out with a drift pin and hammer. The mast was threatening to punch a hole in the side of the boat and speed was of the essence, as they say. After knocking out all the pins, cutting the electrical cables and giving it the old heave ho, it still refused to go down. I looked around to see why and found the tack of the jib was still attached at the bow and holding the whole thing up. A quick slash with a box cutter knife and it was gone. |
Cutters
On Wed, 04 Jan 2006 14:43:51 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: .. A quick slash with a box cutter knife and it was gone. That's an ugly if necessary picture I hope never to see firsthand. What's the difference between bolt and cable cutters, by the way? After broaching the question, I can't recall whether what I have stowed is identified one way or another, although they did go through a hardened shackle and some chain links pretty easily the one time I wielded them with intent. R. |
Cutters
"Commodore Joe Redcloud" wrote in message
... On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 04:54:13 -0500, rhys wrote: On Wed, 04 Jan 2006 14:43:51 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: . A quick slash with a box cutter knife and it was gone. That's an ugly if necessary picture I hope never to see firsthand. What's the difference between bolt and cable cutters, by the way? After broaching the question, I can't recall whether what I have stowed is identified one way or another, although they did go through a hardened shackle and some chain links pretty easily the one time I wielded them with intent. R. If you have wire rigging, bolt cutters may tend to squash the cable rather than cut it. Cable cutters encircle the cable and slice it more easily in most cases. My personal feeling is that when trying to cut away a downed rig with the boat tossing wildly and adrenaline up, neither hand powered tool is good for this job. You may be injured, and reaching what needs to be cut may be a matter of only having one hand available and no way to get leverage. I have an explosive powered cable cutter that can be operated with one hand while hanging over the side of the boat if necessary. You just hook it on the cable and push a button. It wasn't inexpensive, but safety is the wrong place to save money. Where did you get it? We need to get one for a boat that has wire rigging. -- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com |
Cutters
Thanks... I'm looking for a gift for a friend actually.
-- "j" ganz @@ www.sailnow.com "Commodore Joe Redcloud©" wrote in message ... On Thu, 5 Jan 2006 09:25:54 -0800, "Capt. JG" wrote: "Commodore Joe Redcloud" wrote in message . .. On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 04:54:13 -0500, rhys wrote: On Wed, 04 Jan 2006 14:43:51 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: . A quick slash with a box cutter knife and it was gone. That's an ugly if necessary picture I hope never to see firsthand. What's the difference between bolt and cable cutters, by the way? After broaching the question, I can't recall whether what I have stowed is identified one way or another, although they did go through a hardened shackle and some chain links pretty easily the one time I wielded them with intent. R. If you have wire rigging, bolt cutters may tend to squash the cable rather than cut it. Cable cutters encircle the cable and slice it more easily in most cases. My personal feeling is that when trying to cut away a downed rig with the boat tossing wildly and adrenaline up, neither hand powered tool is good for this job. You may be injured, and reaching what needs to be cut may be a matter of only having one hand available and no way to get leverage. I have an explosive powered cable cutter that can be operated with one hand while hanging over the side of the boat if necessary. You just hook it on the cable and push a button. It wasn't inexpensive, but safety is the wrong place to save money. Where did you get it? We need to get one for a boat that has wire rigging. http://www.plastimousa.com/cutters.htm They even list West Marine (special order, I'm sure!) as a dealer, although you can probably find it cheaper elsewhere. Commodore Joe Redcloud© |
Cutters
On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 04:54:13 -0500, rhys wrote:
. A quick slash with a box cutter knife and it was gone. That's an ugly if necessary picture I hope never to see firsthand. =============================================== It was not exactly the high point of the year but compared to the ensuing hassel with the insurance company I'm not sure which was worse. |
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