rigging part 1

Since the standing rigging is 38 years old, we are replacing it. Same goes for the lifelines, which were twisted wire that was fraying in places. The old stuff is rod for the nonadjustable rigging and wire for the adjustable rigging and lifelines.

We are using Dymeema, which is synthetic rope that is stronger and lighter than steel and is normally used for fancy racing boats because it is expensive but IT WAS ON SALE at WestMarine, cheaper than rod or wire, and also we like to experiment. For the two running backstays, which flop around a bit around the head of whomever is driving when not being used, rope makes a lot more sense than wire. And similarly for when the lifelines are undone for getting off and on the boat, rope is nicer on the deck than wire. And then over a week we decided Dyneema everywhere.

This means that all the attachments for the rigging are different, and the expenses add up for that. But Jarred is hacking away at solutions for every connection, some purchased and some that he is making. And we are learning about splicing rope. So the next few posts will be closeups of small parts.

Santa comes in July - Dymeema rope, new clutches and cleats for lines.

splicing Dyneema according to instructions.

first small part: Dyneema and tang with that goes into a hole in the mast.