standing rigging

ccriders · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006

I'm going to replace the standing rigging on a 1976 Pearson 28 and am looking for a discussion about swagged vs mechanical fittings and NAV-TEC vs Norseman. Any suggestions where I should look and/or your opinions would be appreciated.

hellosailor · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006

In general the patent fittings (NavTec, Norseman, etc.) are what you use if you have to make up a fitting by yourself. Shops that have the option of owning and using a proper swaging press, use swages. Swages are the standard for production work--but unless you buy the equipment, you'll have to send out to have that made up.

camaraderie · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006

I've had Stay-locs on my last 2 boats and they were done by a professional rigger who recommended them over Norseman fittings. No problems in 5 years of cruising. Indeed...when the mizzen mast came down in hurricane Ivan...none of the fittings failed after a roof hit the mast! I think they are an advantage in a cruising boat since they allow for repairs at sea or in less developed areas. And yes...I carry a hank of wire = to my longest stay as a spare in my lazarette.

ccriders · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006

Thanks for your responses. I found a Practical Sailor recommendation to use swagged fittings at the top and sta-lok at the bottom, a conclusion I came to when reviewing the pros and cons of each in another book I was reading.
Would you really consider going up the mast at sea? I can't imagine doing so as I'm totally intimidated by it even in the marina.
John

hellosailor · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006

"Would you really consider going up the mast at sea?"

When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Trust me, flooding the boat and bringing the masthead down to convenient reach of the surface is NOT a better option.

catamount · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006

Take a look at the Hayn Hi-Mod mechanical fittings. I like them. The reason for swages at the top is for cost and weight savings. Yes, shops doing production work use swages, again for cost and labor savings.

sailingfool · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccriders

Thanks for your responses. I found a Practical Sailor recommendation to use swagged fittings at the top and sta-lok at the bottom, a conclusion I came to when reviewing the pros and cons of each in another book I was reading.
Would you really consider going up the mast at sea? I can't imagine doing so as I'm totally intimidated by it even in the marina.
John

John,
My sentiments completely. Then again, we doubtlessly understimate what we could do, if we need to.. To see how a young British girl dealt with this challenge, read the entries for Days 21, 39, 46 etc. in http://observer.guardian.co.uk/2001r...623752,00.html

camaraderie · #8 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006

"Would you really consider going up the mast at sea? I can't imagine doing so as I'm totally intimidated by it even in the marina.
John"

Hell no John...I send the admiral up!

ccriders · #9 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006

Wow, how many times did she go up that mast? I lost count reading her journal. Well, as they say, "mad dogs and englishmen". That kind of sailing is beyond my endurance and strength level, much less my mental capacities.
I went to her website, but couldn't find what kind of mast climbing system she uses. It appears from her writing that she might be using a version of the ATN Top Climber.
What worries me most is that most often one would go up the mast to repair a broken halyard, so why trust yourself to the strength of a halyard when going up?

Parley · #10 (**permalink**) 10-12-2006

SFool, Thanks for the link. I read the book: "Taking on the World" by Ellen MacArthur. I highly recommend it. The book describes Dame Ellen Macarthur's life leading up to and including her 2nd place finish in the Vende Globe. An absolutely amazing story.