Norseman/Sta-Loc OK for a Novice?

[Bob Luby]

I inspected my rigging while the mast was down and noticed
that one of the wires in one of the stays had broken right at the upper swage.

Of course, this time of year, all riggers are swamped, so I'd like to ask:

Would it make sense for me to make a new stay with Mechanical terminals? I'd like to get in the water quickly.

Thanks in advance.



Rluby@aol.com

[John]

I inspected my rigging while the mast was down and noticed
that one of the wires in one of the stays had broken right at the upper swage.

Of course, this time of year, all riggers are swamped, so I'd like to ask:

Would it make sense for me to make a new stay with Mechanical terminals? I'd like to get in the water quickly.

Thanks in advance.

Sure its okay if you trust your skills and follow the instructions to the letter. I advise you to do a thorough check of all rigging, use a dye test kit on the swages.

[Matt Cawthorne]

Bob,
I found that the Norseman and Stalock fittings work well. The only problem that I have had is that the threads galled on on fitting and I had to buy another. Since then I have used a little sealant as a lubricant and have not had problems. I think that norseman has started using a dry lubricant on the threads to avoid this problem. You were wise for inspecting the rigging.
Several years ago I tried the dye pennetrant checking of the fittings. It is messy and slow and if the swages are old it is hard to be absolutely certain that some of those little marks are just surface pits and not tiny cracks. In the end I decided to just replace all of my rigging. I feel better now, although it can add up to several boat units. I think that if you have one bad wire the chances that another is nearing the end of it's life is high and would recommend proceeding with the greatest of caution. The cost of a dismasting could be many boat units and even if nobody was hurt the first mate might not want to go sailing again.

Good luck
Matt

I inspected my rigging while the mast was down and noticed
that one of the wires in one of the stays had broken right at the upper swage.

Of course, this time of year, all riggers are swamped, so I'd like to ask:

Would it make sense for me to make a new stay with Mechanical terminals? I'd like to get in the water quickly.

Thanks in advance.

mcawthor@bellatlantic.net