upper shroud question

[tpm622]

I have 1978 Balboa 23 (its twin is an Aquarius made by Coastal Recreation and long out of business). I am new to the sailing world and have a question that I hope you may be able to help me with. So please forgive my terminology gaffes.
The port side upper shroud, where it attaches to the deck(chain Plate?). Three of the wire strands have broken just above the swage connection. I have investigated some possible repair methods short of replacing the rigging and would be intrested in your opinions. The one that seems doable is using a Sta-lock connection that would require cutting off the the wire just above the swage and installing this device. Any opinions on this subject would be appreciated. I'm not sure of the diameter of the wire or number of strands(guessing 9)
We sail on on fresh water inland lake

[Giulietta]

If the wires are cut, first find out why??

Could have been an impact, in that case a new fitting that "bites" the cable much higher is a solution.

If there is no impact, the shroud is failing. Replace all of them.

[Faster]

On a 30 year old boat with one part of the standing rigging about to fail I'd say that it's time to replace it all.

You might use the stay-lok type of terminal, but my fear is that all your rigging is in similar condition. Also using the staylok may well required a different turnbuckle, or tabs, or other extensions that are simply complicating an otherwise simple arrangement. Probably more cost effective to replace the shroud in any case.

If the turnbuckle is standard and in good shape the cost shouldn't be more than $100 or so.

[sailingdog]

I would agree with Faster and Giu... the rigging is likely to need replacing given its age.

[rrgane]

I just replaced all my standing rigging, and for the most part it all looked sound beforehand.. however it is a 36 year old boat, and I could not be sure the standing rigging was not original. On a 23 foot boat I cannot imagine a full replacement would run over $1k.. be the best money you spent on the boat in my never to be humbled opinion.

[OkSanJuan]

I agree with all of the above.. given the relatively low cost of replacing the standing rigging (Did this on a 24' boat for under$600) vs the cost of a new mast AND rigging (not to mention potential boat damage or injury) in event of an at sea failure... not worth the risk.

[Northeaster]

I am looking at replacing the rigging on my 29 year old boat this winter, even though there are no apparant rust stains, meat hooks, etc.
Since the mast is inside anyway, I can take off all rigging, and take it somewhere to have it measured and duplicated.
Any recommendations for skilled, and good valued rigging shops in New England?
Also, would you noormally replace just the wire, or all turnbuckles, etc?

[dougyoung]

Have the shrouds made up and install them yourself. I did this on a 32' boat and it was one of the best learning projects I could take on.
x2 uppers
x2 mids
x4 lowers

for and aft stays

$1500 plus my labor.

[sailingdog]

Rigging only in Fairhaven, MA. 508-992-0434

Very good service, excellent prices. Normally, the turnbuckles last longer than the wire does. If you're really paranoid—replace it all.

Originally Posted by Northeaster

I am looking at replacing the rigging on my 29 year old boat this winter, even though there are no apparant rust stains, meat hooks, etc.
Since the mast is inside anyway, I can take off all rigging, and take it somewhere to have it measured and duplicated.
Any recommendations for skilled, and good valued rigging shops in New England?
Also, would you noormally replace just the wire, or all turnbuckles, etc?

[RandyonR3]

On a boat that size, I could almost guess that the break is from twisting the shroud when the mast is raised.. It happens.. I'm familar with the boat you have.. the boat is designed to be trailered.. When raising the mast, the shrouds drop to the outside of the hull and if you dont have help to align then as the mast goes up, they will bind, and most of the time, break the turnbuckles.. In your case, the wire bound up first.
The cheepest way is to drop the mast, remove the uppers and take them to West Marine.. They do OK work and you get them back in a week or so.
Had mine done on a smaller boat I own (22) and the price was only a couple hundred.......