Galvanized 7x7 wire to be used on traditional brig
 

Hi, We are rerigging a small 1930 iron hulled brig, that has had an aborted assemblege of non matched, various diameters and aged stainless steel wire mixing swaged, non swaged compression fittings and spliced ends....I'd like to redo her to accomplish a solid "period" look, frankly anything is better than the mess that is on the pallets in the building. Research looks like galvanized should be fine as certainly we are not looking to be a high tensile rig and with her spars also set up with steel ratlines sharing the standing rigging role i'm asking if you could see any major reason NOT to use proper yacht standard galvanized materials. Also are there any special care needs for galvanized in the clamping and end finishing process that would differ from stainless. The yards rigger appears to be VERY negative about galvanized...but then he was also bummed when I made it real clear I wasn't going to be putting 3 roller furling rigs aboard her forestays..... Your thoughts? Thanks ever so much!

I have an early edition of "The Rigger's Apprentice" that discusses galvanized rigging very thoroughly, and gives detailed instructions for splicing it. Not sure if newer editions have it, but my copy is very convincing about its usefulness and practicality. I recommend rounding up a copy--very instructive.
Best,
Ben

Please, go now and buy a copy of
' Riggers Apprentice' by Brion Toss; 'Arts of the Sailor' by H.G. Smith; 'Masting and Rigging' by Underhill; 'Gaff Rig Handbook' by Leather; and any more of the -'people who bought this also liked...'-- books that are listed. Then Read

I recommend a visit to any nearby replica or training ships which are similar in design, build or period to yours. Pride of Baltimore II, Sultana, the St. Michaels Maritime Museum, Mystic Seaport, and others. Ask them who provided their ships rig, rigging and sails. If those options are out of the question, ask those same captains who they would try more locally, maybe someone who has only done repairs or upgrades to similar ships is capable of completing the work needed, at a lower cost or in a shorter time frame. Certainly talk to anyone involved with similar boats, almost all of us are MORE THAN HAPPY to fill your head with their advice and experience. Some will even fill your head with thoughts of dyneema shrouds and hidden high-tech blocks with much simpler overall rigging, while others will rant about keeping tradition and proven methods. Call Brion Toss.

Galvanized rigging can work fine. Riggers can take steps to protect the product from corrosion and fatigue, this way achieving a very long lasting and reliable rig.

I hope that we can help you find your answers here on this board, and please keep us up to date with the progress. I for one am real excited!