The boat is a 1981 NACRA 5.2. Thanks for the help in advance.

When examining my rigging today I noticed some rust on my diamond wire barrels (this is the tensioner for the diamond wires).

Is it safe to sail with these or do they need to be replaced?

I do not know if these are original (probably are) or not.

Image A http://flic.kr/p/aiFVDc
Image B http://flic.kr/p/aiFVD6
Image C http://flic.kr/p/aiFVDt
Image D http://flic.kr/p/aiFVDg
Image E http://flic.kr/p/aiFVDn

Your thoughts?

Thanks,
Eric



Edited by esarratt on Sep 02, 2011 - 08:20 PM.

I didn't see much rust in your pics, but stainless steel is just what name implies; stains less. Whenever I get forestay turnbuckles or diamond wire turnbuckles, I clean them (threads) up on wire wheel of my grinder. Then I carefully try to move them cold. Once removed, wire wheel again, then motor oil as I put back together. If frozen, a little heat from torch helps. You cannot adjust diamond wires or forestay if they don't move. Pete

If there's rust inside the swages, then you should replace. Actually, if there's any doubt at all, you should replace.

Contemplate this: you've foregone replacement of standing rigging.... you're out sailing and something fails. Now, depending on where you are, you're stranded offshore somewhere/PITA, possibly EXPENSIVE; your mast may have broken/EXPENSIVE; your sails get torn/EXPENSIVE; someone is hurt/REALLY BAD.

The turnbuckle rust isn't a big deal, but as Tami said it raises questions about the rest of the rigging. It is especially important to replace teh rigging if:
- it is original or more than about 5-10 years old
- you find a frayed wire or kink anywhere
- it was sailed in salt water
and/or
- you are seeing rust on the rigging itself

So generally speaking, if you get a 30 year old boat and don't know the history of the rigging, you are really better off replacing it. Murray's marine and Salty Dog Marine have premade packages for the boat that you can pick up for a reasonable price.

Regards,
Dave

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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