Life of Standing Rigging

[Richard G.]

How many years can standing rigging last?

[mgphl52]

I've generally heard 15 to 20 years.

[Steve Laume]

How many years can standing rigging last?

I think this is one of those, if you have to ask it's time to replace sort of things.

There is a big difference between how long it can last vs how long it might last. With many things in life it is not the chances of something happening that matter so much as the consequences if they do.

15 to 20 years is on the long end of recommendations I have heard. It would make a difference weather you were doing some offshore trips and long cruises. Fittings are more prone to corrosion in southern waters. There is a chance of freeze damage in the north. Sitting on a mooring all the time where the boat is constantly flexing the rig makes a difference. Poor rig tuning, either unequal tension or not enough could make a huge difference.

I believe my rigging to be original, on a 1984 boat. I inspect it regularly and use a hand lens on the lower terminals. It is still making me nervous about doing any offshore hops. I know our rigs are very strong as they were designed. I want that extra security and I don't believe it still exists after all these years.

Raven will get new wire this winter. There is absolutely no room for error in figuring the longevity of your rigging wire and I know mine is well past it's prime.

I want to be able to push my boat without worrying about the rig, Steve.

[S/V Necessity]

I found this article a few weeks back and thought it was a decent read/analysis.

http://www.torresen.com/news/?p=4307

The answer (according to Torrensen marine) depends heavily on use and environment, anywhere from 5-20 years. It would seem 20 years is the MAX (low use, mast down storage, freshwater environment.)

I'll quote a paragraph here because it's what caught my attention.

"Cycling refers to the torque forces associated with the “pumpingâ€