Serving SS Splices

[benjiwoodboat]

I've just spliced up my new rig in 1x19 316, and want to serve the splices. But I dont want to promote corrosion. What's the best solution?

Also, only after I spliced them all up, did I find out that one should serve the wire in the thimble. I didnt do this. The wires do flatten out a bit and get loose on the hard turn of the thimble, but I thought, once in place on the boat, the load on the wires would reduce that. How much of a boo-boo did I make if any, by not serving the wire in the thimble?

Thanks,
Ben

[Brion Toss]

Hi there,
And first, congratulations on splicing your gang. I am so glad that you made the effort to get that skill into your hands. Keep that gift moving.
For the service, I have always found that short stretches, as on splices, simply don't hold onto water long enough for any significant crevice corrosion. I always apply lanolin or Tef-Gel anyway, but have seen quite old served S.S. splices that wore out from fatigue, not corrosion.
As for the service in the wake of the thimble, what diameter wire are you using? I don't usually serve 7/32" and smaller, as it is supple enough to take a fair turn. Larger wire isn't so good at that, and you may have some weakening as a result. See how it looks after loading. Be sure to check the standing part, too.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[benjiwoodboat]

Thanks Brion,

I spliced 1/4, 9/32, 5/16 and 3/8 on my BCC. Much thanks to Myles Thurlow on Martha's Vineyard for showing me how and letting me use his shop/tools. There good over there on the Vineyard at keeping tradition alive.

So you dont think serving causes too much of a corrosion issue, with parcelling and tarred twine? Or plain SS wire? I was thinking of doing Stainless wire aloft w/o parcelling, but well lubed parcelling and tarred twine at deck level.

Thanks,
Ben

[Brion Toss]

Hi again,
I didn't mention before that a smoothly-trimmed, unserved splice is fine, too.That's how the Pardey's do it, for instance. Service might help keep the tucks in place under extreme loads, but then again, it might just look nice. So as long as you trimn flush, breaking the yarns off instead of cutting them, you could skip the service altogether.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss