Wire is inexpensive. The major cost is in the end fittings that should all be replaced. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish, particularly on such a small boat.
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A rigging option?
I see minor rust and hairline cracks at most of my swagged terminal ends but the 3/8 wire looks and feels good. What is the thinking of folks in terms of cutting swagged ends off and going mechanical (norsemen?) and making up any difference to turnbuckles with toggles? Turnbuckles are clearly fine. Whole rigging package is probably 20 years old but the wire looks good and the cost savings on just changing the bottom ends (versus change everything) would be significant. I will check the top swags in the process but they appear to be good probably because water runs down not up...
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By using your halyards to temporarily support the mast, you can remove one of the cap-stays to have two made up (they are--or should be--symmetrical so you only need one to have a pair made). Likewise the fore-n-aft lowers, one each at a time. With the masthead again temporarily supported with a halyard, the back-stay can be removed and a replacement made up. Most problematic will be the head-stay as you will have to remove it and the furling gear very carefully to avoid damaging the foils and then cut off one or the other end of the stay to slip it out of the foil assembly and have a replacement made up. To reassemble, you will need a mechanical end fitting such as a Norseman or Staylok and, if you have any question at all about your skills, it would be wise to have a qualified rigger do the replacement.Sounds like consensus here ☺ I can't actually recall the last time I saw 5 people agree on anything on SN. So I guess it is on to the further question which I have begun to research via other threads. How does one replace rigging at where cost effectiveness is an issue.
Before undertaking the foregoing, ensure that your turnbuckles and toggles are in good conditions with no warn pins or elongated pin-holes. If there is any question, replace the item. It is also wise to have matching turnbuckles and toggles on opposit sides--i.e. matched cap- and lowers. So, if one cap shroud turnbuckle is shot, unless you can obtain an exact replacement, replace both.
BTDT.... Takes a lot of trips up the mast. Eat your Wheaties!!!
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