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boden36 · 14-03-2009, 20:37

After 20 years of hanging off a halyard painting Nekeyah's standing rigging with a small brush, I'm wondering if anyone has thought up a quicker way of getting the paint on. (I use fishoil and silver paint in equal parts and the rigging has lasted 20 yrs so its worth doing!) Regards, Richard.

Celestialsailor · 14-03-2009, 21:21

How much could galvanized rigging possibly cost to replace?

boden36 · 14-03-2009, 22:17

From memory, at the time (1986) to rig with gal wire and gal rigging screws cost me about one sixth of what the stainless would have cost. In the time I have had the gal, the stainless would have had to be replaced about three times due to fatigue considerations. I paint it every three years or so and it shows little signs of corrosion. The rigging screws are wrapped in Denso tape and then duct tape.Not as glitzy as stainless, but more practical on a cruising yacht.
Would like to find a quicker way of getting the paint on though and am hoping someone has cobbled together an applicator of some sort. Regards, Richard

Celestialsailor · 14-03-2009, 22:40

I truly admire your cost consciousness but since it's 20 years old and lasted 3 times longer and cost 1/6th the price...wouldn't it be prudent to replace it?

boden36 · 15-03-2009, 14:46

I could afford to replace it if it needed replacing - I guess its a mindset - So long as it is sound, why consume more resources needlessly. I am better off putting the resources towards something really needed ( and there is always something).
That's why I am interested in finding a more efficient way to paint it.
Regards Richard.

quidam · 15-03-2009, 16:13

I know of a couple who have a cat with a raked schooner rig. They used galvanized rigging that they dipped in a kind of rubber coating, similar to the rubber/plastic handles on a pair of pliers.
If you keep it protected, galvanized rigging will last a long long time. It is also stronger than stainless. Usually the wire is wormed, served and parceled to protect it. This is mostly done on old traditional gaff rigs and I've known of wire lasting for fifty years. Keep in mind that old gaffers are rigged rather loosely by todays standards.

Blue Stocking · 15-03-2009, 16:53

I have seen radio tower painters use a glove with an rubber interior bonded to a velvet like cover. They pressed their flat hand onto a paint filled foam in a tray and wiped the paint on.

boden36 · 18-03-2009, 15:55

Thanks for the suggestion, I might try something with foam. Regards, Richard

**James S** · 19-03-2009, 09:08

I think I saw that they paint the wires on the Golden Gate Bridge in a similar way.

neilrob · 21-03-2009, 14:47

Hi Boden
I have just brought my ketch back from Adelaide to its mooring at Ettalong. It also has galv rigging. I would be interested to see your rigging treatment. If you want I am willing to assist you in applying it to yours for the experience. I will send you a message with my contact details if you are interested
Neil

Celestialsailor · 21-03-2009, 20:42

I was wondering boden...Is your forestay galvy???

Robertcateran · 22-03-2009, 04:46

We used to put lanolin on the lowers and then seize them with cloth. We also used to take down the rigging and re oil the core every couple of years on the fishing boats

crazyhorse · 01-06-2009, 00:47

A paint compressor works well. Split a CONDUIT tube in half with a hole mid-way through it (for the nossel) and tape it around the shroud etc. Insert foam at each end then fire in the paint (or "formula" ) whilts running the tube up and down the wire. WORKS!!

boden36 · 26-06-2009, 20:18

Thanks for your input. Sounds really radical - I would be worried about splattering the whole boat in the process. Have you actually tried this yourself? Regards, Richard.