Stainless vs. Galvenized Cable Strengths

[tagster]

what if it runs to the royal mast?

Mine are single spar, the top mast is represented by white paint, so I guess that'd make it a freshwater stay. Is it supposed to have tension?

[jimthom]

When comparing stainless to galvanized for standing rigging, I would think that an additional consideration must be weight aloft. I can't find any figures to make the comparison, but I would assume that stainless would be stronger per pound than galvanized wire?
Cheers, Jim

[tomaz_423]

Originally Posted by jimthom

When comparing stainless to galvanized for standing rigging, I would think that an additional consideration must be weight aloft. I can't find any figures to make the comparison, but I would assume that stainless would be stronger per pound than galvanized wire?
Cheers, Jim

Read post #3 from Cam.
I know nothing about this, but it all explained in the link.
Basically same weight and similar breaking strength. Major difference is that they recommend 1/5 of breaking strength for sizing Stainless Steel and 1/7 for Galvanised.
So Galvanised is heavier.

[sailingdog]

Actually, it really also depends on what kind of stainless you get. 304 is about comparable in strength to equal diameter galvanized cable, but is about 20% stronger than 316 stainless. However, 316 stainless has considerably better corrosion resistance and isn't as vulnerable to chloride Ion stress cracking like 304 is.

[danjarch]

Originally Posted by tagster

what if it runs to the royal mast?

Mine are single spar, the top mast is represented by white paint, so I guess that'd make it a freshwater stay. Is it supposed to have tension?

Most likely it would be called the king stay, but since you only the one, I'd call it a salt water stay. It should have about the same tension as the back and head stays. Your main mast is propably set with a rake of so many degrees, and shouldn't move forward. If it's slouching back more then it used to be. You'd better check that the step hasn't shifted. If you want to pull it forward, you'll need to ease the back stay and the main shrouds first, then once you've pulled the mast forward. You'll need to add a shim under the bottom of the mast. If you don't have it sitting even, the mast will produce a high localized load that could prematurly wear out the bottom of the mast or the mast step.