Thanks for your help

[bob_deb]

Just a quick thank you to all , especially CSY Man, Irwinsailor,
Jeff H, and BC Mike c. you have really helped us in narrowing our search for the right boat for us.

We have already started looking and the CSY 33 and the Pearson 323 are now at the top of the list. We will make our purchase when we return to Florida in November and will be researching a lot and looking till then.

Maybe someday we will all meet up in the Bahamas for a
Rum Punch.

Thanks Bob & Deb


P.S. What is the life span of standing rigging in salt water ???

[GordMay]

For the standing rigging to be in salt water, the boat would need be inverted - in which case the rig life might be expected to exceed that of the crew. (Sorry, I just couldn't resist)

Most riggers suggest that 10 years is the safe lifespan for standing rigging, after which time it should be replaced, or (at very east) technically inspected.

We sold a C&C29 with original rigging that was 16 years old - the last 9 years on salt water. The rigging (wire & fittings) were in apparently excellent shape (no visible degradation). The boat was never raced, so might be considered to have been “lightly” sailed (barring the occasional Hurricane etc.) I would not have, yet, replaced anything, had we kept the boat - but we'd have been watching out for any signs of trouble.
Regards,
Gord

[irwinsailor]

OK Gord, how long will my rod rigging last in saltwater?

[GordMay]

Sorry, I've no significant experience with rod rigging.
Gord

[Jeff H]

Rod rigging is thought to have a 15 year or so useful lifespan. Unlike wire and wire terminals which can be inspected and continue in use for a long time after its 10 to 15 year so-called useful lifespan, there is no real way to inspect rod rigging for fatique and so the conventional wisdom seems to suggest that rod rigging should be replaced religiously at 15 years. Fresh water is typically seen as being as bad for rod rigging as salt where as salt water takes a toll on the connections on wire rigging. Perhaps if the boat has had light useage and you are not going into high wind areas or offshore conditions, you might stretch the lifespan a bit. I would talk to your rigger.

Jeff

[irwinsailor]

WOW! I would have thought it would be much longer.