Sta-Lok Backstay Isolator

[silverp40]

Hello,

Does anyone have any experience or know of Sta-Lok backstay isolators failing?

I am changing the backstay cable soon and I'm not too sure if I want to reinstall the isolators (cutting the cable is a little scary).

A good rigger told me that he has never heard of these failing.

Has anyone used these isolators for a long passage such as an ocean crossing or more?

Thanks for any knowledge on this
Cheers

[cal40john]

I don't know the answer to your specific question. I sailed for years on a boat that had the glass insulators. If the glass broke the two eyes would still be interlocked without the insulation and the rigging a little looser. I was always comfortable with this. Purchased my own boat and discovered what most people are using now, and what was on my boat were insulators with no failsafe. Manufacturers claim the insulating part is much higher breaking strength than the rest, but what if something hits the part? Whether my worries were valid or not, when I replaced my backstay (due to sun damaged looking parts on the insulators) I didn't put any insulators in, I thought I would experiment with alternative antennas. There are a couple of good threads on other kinds of antennas on this forum.

If you want failsafe, Haynes offers something expensive:
Hi-MOD Fittings by Hayn Marine

I don't know if there is an issue using glass or ceramic insulators other than ugly eyes, but the style I'm talking about are in the top right of the picture in this link:
Spool Insulator, Spool Insulators | Meister International

John

[silverp40]

Thanks John for the info. I knew about the Hayn solution but i already have the Staloks and you are right - Hayn is certainly expensive...

Regards
Ovi

[btrayfors]

On a Pearson 40 I'd seriously consider rigging an alternate backstay antenna, rather than cutting the backstay to install insulators.

This can be made from insulated s/s lifeline, run to a corner of the pushpit, and will work every bit as well as the traditional backstay.

Here's a pic of mine, which has worked well for over 20 years.

DSC_0028

Lot's of posts on this here, on Sailnet, and on SSCA forum.

Bill

[James S]

I had a Sta-Lok isolator installed at the end of 2003 as part of my new rig....14,000NM later its still OK...

[roverhi]

I've got them on my backstay. Installed them a couple of years ago and have sailed to Hawaii from SF without a problem. Personally, after more than 30 yeares experience with StaLoks and Norsemans, these insulators would be about the last place I'd expect a rigging failure.

[silverp40]

Thanks all for the good input, that is very good practical experience!!
Also, thanks Bill for the photo...

[Seahunter]

Originally Posted by silverp40

Hello,

Does anyone have any experience or know of Sta-Lok backstay isolators failing?
I am changing the backstay cable soon and I'm not too sure if I want to reinstall the isolators (cutting the cable is a little scary).

You can re-use them just make sure you replace the wedge kit or terminal parts. STA-LOK Terminals Ltd - Marine - Online Shop - Product Listing and Online Shop