The technology of standing rigging is advancing at such a pace as to make keeping up with the competition quite a daughnting task. While wire is still the mainstay for most cruisers, and rod the most predominant for the racing community, at the grnd prix levels new constructs and compositions are making advancements faster than the articles can be written about it. With the Pyewacket and her PBO rigging, and the Geniuine Risk sporting a new set of Carbon Rods, composite standing rigging is quikly becoming the semi-norm in the upper levels.
While the major players in composite manufacturing are hard at makng light weight rigging more accesable, the extensive cost increase still make it fairly unobtainable for most programs.
Despite some hopes of the upper end manufacturers, rod and wire rigging will still be around for some time to come.
Rod Rigging
Want performance from your standing rigging? Then rod rigging is your most likely choice. Although these days composite fibers and even composite fiber rod are being used, the majority of boats benefit from the nitronic 50 rod.
The fundamentals of Navtec's rod rigging systems are cold heads and a
specialty stainless steel alloy called nitronic-50. The nitronic 50 rod
is terminated by hydraulically forming a head which will not allow the
end fitting to slide past. This process of forming a head is called "cold
heading" and it produces a terminal attachment that is as strong as
the rod itself.
Remember, this site is a work in progress, so check back often for changing and new information on the products that are top in the industry.
Navtec fittings have "seats" designed to compliment the shape of the rod head. The fit of the head to the seat is critical for safety and long life. For this reason Navtec uses computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) to make both the dies which form the cold heads and the fitting that the head rests in. Rod rigging has tight tolerances and is semi-custom, and needs to be set up properly to maximize longevity (longer life means more value). Rigworks has the equipment, experience and skills to set up, and service your rig expertly, quickly and efficiently.
This closely monitored process is what makes Navtec rod rigging systems second to none. Rigworks is a Navtec Service agent and has the heading equipment necessary to both manufacture and service your rod rigging.
WIRE RIGGING
Standing rigging is one of the most maintenance free aspects of modern sailboats. That's a good thing. However, since relatively little attention is required, many sailors are not well informed about their shrouds and stays. That could be a bad thing. Rigworks would like to shed a bit more light on "wire rope" so our customers will be more familiar with what it can and cannot do, as well as what can be done to help it perform as well and as long as possible.
First, let's look at wire rope construction. It is made of stainless steel, right? Yes, but that's not the whole story. No steel is completely impervious to corrosion, but generally the more nickel in the alloy, the more "stainless" it will be. To confuse the issue, however, adding nickel actually weakens the metal a bit. Getting the right mix is the key. These days, better riggers agree that 316 grade stainless with it's higher nickel content is the right choice for the marine environment. Beware: less expensive 304 grade is also out there. While 304 actually has a higher breaking strength when new (less nickel), it will be significantly weaker after a few years of salt water service. Rigworks constructs all standing rigging from 316 grade stainless steel, and only uses 304 for indoor architectural projects.
Beyond the metallurgy, the "architecture" of wire rope is also key to its performance. Hopefully, your heaviest crewmember doesn't work the foredeck and your lightweights don't do all the grinding. Similarly, some wire is constructed for pure strength, while other constructions give up a bit of strength in favor of flexibility. Most shrouds and stays are made of 1x19 cable. This cable is laid up in one strand comprised of 19 smaller strands. It is very strong, not very flexible, and works very well with the various fittings which may be swaged on its cut ends.
At the other end of the spectrum is 7x19 cable. Being constructed of seven strands each containing nineteen smaller strands it is very flexible and therefore appropriate for halyards, dinghy hoists, etc. (Please see our rope section. These days the demand for flexible wire is decreasing quickly due to today's incredibly strong and more hands-friendly line). Finally, there is vinyl coated wire, commonly a 7x7 wire, and used for lifelines. This is mostly a matter of tradition, but it's worth noting that uncovered 1x19 is quickly becoming the standard for lifelines on finer yachts. It does not yellow like vinyl-coated wire after ultraviolet exposure, and if corrosion does occur, at least it is not hidden.
