When to Replace Running Rigging?

[Roniszoro]

My Stay Set X running rigging is 17 years old. It appears to be in good shape. I've end-for ended the halyards and there is no appearance of chafe. But is has been a long time in the sun/elements, as the stick stays in round and most of those years have been in South Florida.

Thoughts?

[capngeo]

My rig is 31 years old. That said, it was way overbuilt in the beginning. Every now and again I have a rigger look it over (same guy who built the rig)... he smiles and says "go sailing"

[MarkJ]

I just did mine this year and it is an extremely expensive job.

I knew mine needed replacing but dudnt say that to the riggers.

1st rigger I hire to do an inspection on the understanding he WOULD NOT get the job. Hi stressed 4 times I was just paying for the inspection and it was going to be repaired by someone else.

He did a good job, wrote a list of what I needed.
Then I went to the company I wanted to do the job and asked for a quote.

[donradcliffe]

I know its cocktail hour, but the OP wants to know about RUNNING rigging, NOT standing rigging. When the running rigging gets too old, it will let you know. Replacemenbt is a DIY job for most folks.

[tkeithlu]

Capngeo, is that quote original to you? If so, does it reflect upon your personal experience? I'm asking, because I'm one of those special kinds of fool, and am inclined to agree with the quote. Building my own was damned close to a career choice, although I'm happy with my quirky boat.

[El Pinguino]

As stated ... running rigging will let you know.

However...

While much of your running rigging can be dealt with in a 'breakdown maintenance' fashion any stuff that runs up the inside of the mast should be dealt with in a 'programed maintenance' sort of a way. It will stuff up your entire day if you lose your main or jib halyard at sea.

[UNCIVILIZED]

For day sails & the like you're probably fine. But if contemplating anything more than a weekend trip, swap it out. And if you're truly concerned about it, take it down & do a good visual inspection of things, including vs. a new piece of the same stuff.

Though in reality, the fact that you're asking this question means that you're concerned about it's integrity, & thus should replace it. Much as when trying to decide when to reef.
After 17 years in the tropical sun it owes you nothing, though it can be kept as a spare. 17 years is a LONG time without a vacation, so realistically it's toast. Bottom line.


PS: What size line BTW?

[Jim Cate]

IME, after that many years, the strength of the cover is reduced markedly, as is its chafe resistance. The core may well retain much of its original strength, but I'd guess that the overall value is likely <40% of original. At best!

I'd replace it (and have done so sooner than that on my own boats).

Jim

[reed1v]

Unless you are racing a lot, running rigging probably will last many decades. May look scruffy, and eventually will part company, but if you keep it clean, sheets and halyards will last longer than most of your metal fittings.

[Stumble]

Sta-set is core dependent, meaning the core and cover share the load equally. At that age uv has done its work and the cover is shot, so your line is at best around 50% the original MBL.

I wouldn't cross an ocean with it, but for day sailing I would just keep using it until it gets stiff or starts to fray.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

My Stay Set X running rigging is 17 years old. It appears to be in good shape. I've end-for ended the halyards and there is no appearance of chafe. But is has been a long time in the sun/elements, as the stick stays in round and most of those years have been in South Florida.

Thoughts?

You answered your own questions as soon as you asked it....if you are wondering about your running rigging, its time to replace it. Sure, keep the old as spares. But do you really want that halyard or sheet to snap when you need it most? Lines are just about the cheapest thing to replace on board. Get nice colour coded lines...you'll love it and you'll boat will look newer too.

[Vasco]

I changed mine when I no longer had confidence in it to go aloft.

[reed1v]

Originally Posted by Vasco

I changed mine when I no longer had confidence in it to go aloft.

Oh, different issue. Agree that for going aloft in a chair, good idea to have a fat and strong halyard. We had one specifically rigged for that with failsafe shackles and guides for going aloft while sailing along.

[Rigdaddy]

Originally Posted by tkeithlu

Capngeo, is that quote original to you? If so, does it reflect upon your personal experience? I'm asking, because I'm one of those special kinds of fool, and am inclined to agree with the quote. Building my own was damned close to a career choice, although I'm happy with my quirky boat.

Having just finished my 12' cedar strip dinghy, I too feel like that special kind of fool.
Replacing my running rigging is now number 11 on my to do list.

[lordgeoff]

Change when you get sick of the color combinations or you are selling the boat