Rod Rigging

[Motorboat!!]

Happy almost 2010. Hope it is a good one to everyone.
I am thinking about replacing my wire uppers with rod rigging. Has anybody done this? Is it worth it? Can I do this without replacing fittings on the mast and spreaders? Anybody know the price differential between this and conventional wire?

[darkstar32170]

Matt: You might consider Dyform wire as an alternative. Less stretch than regular 1x19 wire and not much more cost. You can get rod rigging with the same end fittings as you have now (T-ball fittings in the mast and barrel turnbuckles on the chainplate ends). If you're contemplating rod you might find that you are better off with PBO. There is a nice chart comparing strength, weight, stretch and windage in this publication from Navtec. Go to: http://www.navtec.net/manuals/NavtecBiConicPBO.pdf. If you're going to go part way might as well go all the way.

By the way, the Defender price for 316 Stainless 1x19 wire in the 3/16" size (the size of the uppers on a E32-2) is $2.09/ft ($3.43 from West Marine). Dyform 5mm (the equivalent size) is 2.69 from West Marine. Why the Dyform is cheaper at West Marine than their regular 1x19 wire I don't know. I do know that if you go outside of the normal marine channels for 316 Stainless 1x19 wire you can get it for significantly less than $2/ft. Mary and I installed a deck railing system a couple years ago using it. I used the excess for new lifelines for "Dark Star."

HAPPY NEW YEAR

[musicman]

We looked at using Rod when putting the new shroud package together for Remedy but decided to go with dyform. Looking at rod you end up being split between -4 & -6. Some areas will hit you with a penalty for the rod as well (since the boat didn't come with it) PBO will have the same issue.
I've never heard of anyone getting hit for dyform though.
We were very happy with the 5mm dyform on Remedy, there was noticeably less stretch. I have a very good tuning guide for the dyform as well....

[Pterobyte]

I have not done this yet, but all my research points to Dyform as the way to go.

http://www.westmarine.com/1/1/101-dyform-wire-6mm-1x19-7810bl-from-navtec.html

[FlatlineE32]

I am replacing my shrouds with Dyform this winter. The rig is at the riggers shop since some welding needs to be done to accept the new style tangs. Dyform is hard to find. You will notice on the West site that it is limited availability. This is because Dyform is discontinued. I believe It had something to do with the manufacturing costs. I am not sure if they plan on making it again at a higher price or what.

[darkstar32170]

Thanks for the info on Dyform wire being discontinued. I wondered why the price was so good on the West Marine site and that there wasn't any listed on Defender's site. Ifigured that it might be something like that. Time to go find some and stockpile it.

[Pterobyte]

Dyform is used in both marine and architectural applications. It was discontinued for the marine applications some time ago.
I understand it is is back in production again for the marine market but at a higher price. I checked inventory at West and they have a bunch of it left in stock from before being discontinued.

[Motorboat!!]

Hey guys
I am finally looking into the replacement of my uppers and headstay. Are the uppers really just 3/16"? That sounds really thin with a breaking lod of only around 4000#.
Also, I am considering switching to rod. I know -4 rod was mentioned here. Is that big enough also? And 2 more questions - Has anybody received a rating hit for switching to rod? Are any special fittings needed (such as on the spreaders) for going from wire to rod?
Thanks
-Matt

[Pterobyte]

I think 3/16 is the intermediates. Mine are metric, 5mm and 7mm. I have been told by PHRF of the Chesapeake that rod or PBO would be hit. But it depends on the region. I don't think they hit Bluto for the SCR

[Motorboat!!]

so do you think the uppers are 1/4"?

[Pterobyte]

so do you think the uppers are 1/4"?

7mm is is 9/32"
Here is a Navtec chart :http://www.navtec.net/assets/img/product_docs/000104-000164-S19_sswire.pdf

[FlatlineE32]

I replaced my rigging last year with Dyform. The rod is not made in the right sizes plus was heavier. The other Evelyns in the area also went to Dyform. The rigger did have to do some mast work to accomidate for the new style tangs.