Replacing Standing Rigging (continued)
My three quotes for a replacement set of standing rigging (8 stays, with turnbuckles and swage fittings) and a new main halyard (the combination of wire rope and line as in the original). FYI, the price ranges ran from the high five hundreds to the mid eight hundreds, so it does make sense to shop.
Riggers all seem to agree that swage fittings are fine for this boat and it doesn't make sense to go to the more expensive Norseman or Sta Set (?) fittings. There is also agreement that the turnbuckles should be replaced when the shrouds are replaced.
However, an issue has arisen, and I would appreciate any comment. There is wide disagreement on the cable that should be used. The original shrouds, as I understand it, are 302/304 stainless steel. The 316 stainless, I am told, is a bit more flexible, and has much higher corrosion resistance than the 304. There appears to be a concensus is that near salt water, 316 is better. Another rigger said that 316 is the cable that everyone will be using (although it is not a new blend, but the price has dropped, apparently). Another rigger said that in the Great Lakes, there is no need for it. Another rigger said there is no reason to pay the extra money for the 316 if I am not near salt water
Curiously, the highest and lowest bids were 304. And the 316 bidder said that the 316 today was no more expensive than the 304.
Does anyone have any insight that could ameliorate the self perceived confusion of this farm boy?
oooh-a whole new can of worms
Timely thread. I'm trying to figure out the standing rigging ,while it's not standing, to send off numbers to the sail loft. It all seemed so simple at first! Measure the forestay from pin to pin. Subtract the length of the furler from the pin to the tack shackle adding the turnbuckle. Add the first extrusion to find the distance to the feed groove...someone said something about adding toggle to the top of the forestay too :eek: So off to the boat to sit and think.
That hull is like a incubator for thought and dreams. And memories. I was, no more than a week ago, recalling the distinct 'curve' to the lower aft chainplate knees I noted before removing them. At that time I was eager to replace them with new, stronger, straighter, 'plum' knees. But a week ago I thought, 'crap, I bet they used to match the shroud's angle up to the tang.' In all actuality, they probably twisted when the P.O. replaced the standing rigging with 1/4" shrouds and chainplates and water began leaking in through the deck slots. However, I began to have doubts about the work I had already done. My greatest fear was that I may have introduced a stress point to the system that HAD worked properly for forty plus years.
When I replaced those lower aft chainplate knees I had devised a jig that mounted to the original main bulkhead and used the chainplate itself to orientate and align the new chainplate knee(s). The same jig, along with the upper shroud chainplates, was used to align the new main bulkhead when that went back in. I know that those two structures are now parallel to each other, right or wrong. I also know the forward lower shroud chainplate knees DO angle aft a few degrees. I discovered that when I was cutting patterns for a hanging locker that ties into that structure. At first I thought it was just mediocre craftmanship accentuated by compound angles. But after trying a couple of different approaches I discovered they are canted aft. At least on 113 they are.
So this is a great thread! It does very little to help me with the measurements I so desperately need for the sail loft but it has done wonders to relieve the internal turmoil I've been harbouring over the aft lower chainplate knees I added. The answere, so simple, is found in some toggles.
One nice thing about buying an older boat is that you always get a couple boxes of 'boat stuff' with it. In one of our boxes was the original backstay chainplate. It looks to be in really good shape. That is, no dull or discolored areas or bands where it came through the deck. It is flat and the pin hole is not oblong. It does, however, seem pretty thin. Maybe I'm just used to the heavier chainplates and shrouds now. But one thing I did notice is the tab on the stem fitting which the forward turnbuckle is pinned to is a full 1/4" thick. I dunno but...
I never have seen the original forward lower chainplates for 113 so I don't know if they, too, had a bend. The new ones slide in and out without much binding. That doesn't surprise me now that I've removed the paint on the decks. It seems that at one point in time 113 had a deck job done. Apparently, 'filet' was not an option. :mad: Nor was sealing the deck slot around the chainplates! :mad: :mad: Oh well. It'll only take about 3 to 4 inches around each slot to fix and that's about how far out I would have liked to gone anyways. And besides, they did an out standing job solidfying the area around those 'butt-ugly' side deck scuppers which I WILL REMOVE next spring.
Geez, what a great thread and does anybody have some pictures about this stuff? Tony G
galvanized vs galvanic rig
It was Toss' book what got me to successfully parcel and serve the wire on a gaff-cutter I had. Maintenance requires wiping down the shrouds and stays with a mix of Stockholm Tar. The smell of Stockholm Tar gets the same warm fuzzies going in me as does a Thanksgiving turkey in the oven.
A galvanized rig is a logical, proven, dependable, interactive rig. Not only is it possible to get black stains on the sails and deck and your favorite cutoffs - but there is unequivocal direct connection, when you do the work on the rigging yourself, to the great days of sail. Befor it became a sport. With leathered/spliced soft eyes you have a safe low stress rig aloft not depending on tangs and pins. Your turnbuckes are replaceable anywhere almost and all 'one' metal, not expensive hightech jewelry that can let go without warning. And you don't need Brion Toss :) or a rigging shop to rerig, repair or upgrade.
With a 'galvanized' rig. you probably interact with your boat on another level. Because if something happens you know you can fix it, or at least jerry-rig yourself out of trouble.
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Hate to bring it up but......
In the midst of all this, has everyone looked at their chainplate attachments lately?
I poked at mine today. What I found was that while the port aft 'looked' good, it was not.
I slacked the shroud and removed the chain plate.
Here is what was under it. (well, actually that is what it looked like after I pealed the teak cover panel off of it, and tore it up with a screwdriver)
I was sailing on this YESTERDAY in 25 knots.
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Chainplate Angles for 414
Here's a better look at the angles of my chainplates as I will be installing them. The picture is fore to aft...