I have a CS36 Merlin with rod
rigging, bought new in 1988. The boat has been south eight times and the rod
rigging is still perfect. I have replaced the head stay which got kinked once when an inexperienced person was holding the
furler while demasting. It is a bit inconvenient when storing the mast for winter but you quickly get used to it. I would go with rid
rigging any day if I had a choice.