Synthetic Standing Rigging

[tager]

With the use of UHMWPE products like pre-strectched Dynex Dux, it is now possible to rig a sailboat completely without the use of steel wire. Synthetic rigging is rigged up using deadeyes and lanyards, like a traditional tall ship. I am a big fan of this, and when it comes time to re-rig, I will be doing it in synthetic.

UPSIDES:
Cheaper than SS rigging
Low mass, far away from boats CG = faster boat
Easy to replace at sea
DIY
Easy to adjust
Corrosion free
Stronger than steel

DOWNSIDES:
UV protection becomes issue
New, not time-tested (in use in commercial fishing for about 6 years)
of course people say this about fiberglass...
Investment in new system (deadeyes are expensive)


I have also heard of Vectran being used as standing rigging, because it creeps less.

Who has done this or knows about this? It seems to be a newish idea.
Also, instead of investing in the precourt deadeyes, can you make your own? What kind of hardwood did old ships use for deadeyes?

[Quickstep192]

Old ships used lignum vitae to make deadeyes. It's dense, hard (and hard to machine) and last time I checked, pretty expensive.

[mangomadness]

Colligo Synthetic Systems | Colligo Marine

These titanium products and the recommended cordage are the route I'm going when I replkace my standing rigging soon.

[nk235]

I am real interested in hearing what everyone has to say about this as well. I was planning on replacing the standing rigging soon but am not looking forward to it because of the price and having to haul the boat and drop the mast for a period of time.

[rigamarole]

I was on a Hylas 70 today at the Miami show and their carbon fiber stays where shipped 14" short. the rep said the rig cost the boat owner $270k.
It looks weird to see rope holding up a 80' mast.

[Giulietta]

All of my standing rigging, except the shrouds (10mm steel cable) is Dyneema.

It's safe, no stretch, light and easy to replace...

Flexible, and easy to carry spares

[jason3317]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

All of my standing rigging, except the shrouds (10mm steel cable) is Dyneema.

It's safe, no stretch, light and easy to replace...

Flexible, and easy to carry spares

So...this would leave Forestay, Backstay, Runners (if applicable...can't remember if you have these rigged)

I guess the obvious question is what prevented you from choosing Dyneema for the shrouds?

What are the chances of the dyneema blowing up vs steel cable? I suppose if the Dyneema lets go, it's the same as when a rod lets go.

I am trying to find ways, outside of a carbon mast, to save weight aloft...so I'll hope this thread doesn't die quickly.

[SVCarolena]

I see how the rigging attaches to the chainplates, but what about attachment to the mast? Our boat has t-ball fittings which swage to the wire. I haven't seen any such fittings for synthetic. Also, it seems like one would have to keep wire for the forestay if using roller furling. Is that correct?

This is a very intersting and timely topic. Although it has has been addresed here several times in the past, just in the last year it seems like there have been additional advancements and more people actually making the switch.

I've heard that Brian Toss has said he plans to go to synthetic on his own boat (may have already done so). So where is Knothead to chime in on this?

[Fstbttms]

I heard Bruce Schwab say a few years ago that there really was no reason you couldn't use the new synthetic ropes as standing rigging. I guess that is becoming more common now. I used to race on a couple of Capri 30s a and it felt weird when we replaced the backstays with rope on those boats.

[tommays]

There really going to have to ZERO in on the UV lifetime for example the PBO guys are pushing it at 3 years


There is know way its cheeper when you look at the TOTAL cost and shorter life cycle


As far as easy to replace if it fails i have not seen to many masts live through and upper shroud failure without and act of massive good luck