The quest for 7x7 galvanized wire and what to do if all else fails

[orchidius]

Hi there,

I'm replacing all standing rigging on my steel classic in preparation for a transatlantic voyage. I've come to the conclusion that I want to go with galvanized wire rope for many reasons, but am having the hardest time sourcing it in the right cable configuration.

First of all the boat is 29ft in length, weights 4,5 metric tonnes unloaded and has 6mm SS rigging at the moment. I would like to go one step up from that.

I also understand that the most desired cable configuration for galvanized wire for standing rigging is 7x7. I'm hoping to lay the wire over a thimble and secure it with wire rope grips. I'm having the hardest time finding this wire rope any bigger in diameter then 6mm (found one source starting at 14mm) though.

Are there any tips you can give me concerning my quest for the perfect rigging cable/terminals? I read elsewhere on this board Mr Toss himself advises against 1x7 for this setup, but what about other options out there? What's the next best thing and what problems can I expect from it?

Thanks!

[orchidius]

So in my quest for 7x7 galvanized wire rope for my standing rigging, I've found a source that had it in store in my desired diameter. It's the Belgian fishing federation, also supplying the cables for commercial fishingships and industry. The price is 89€ for 100m of 8mm cable, a bargain, but fairly logical seeing their main clientele aren't those filthy rich yachties .

Anyway, long story short, the cable is produced in Korea. An asian country, but not China... What can be said about the quality of the stuff coming out of Korea? Any trustworty?

[trofast]

I purchased a drum of 1/4" (~6.5mm) 7x7 galvanized wire rope for standing rigging on my 28ft sloop. In my correspondences with the supplier, he wrote "The Korean meets all of those standards and also has a better strength and quality." (in comparison to the wire produced in China). I don't know how it compares to what was produced in the USA or Europe many years ago, but it was the best I could find (meets standards: RR-W-410G & MIL-DTL-83420M).

[Brion Toss]

Howdy,
The best wire in the world comes out of Korea. Also the worst. Without reports from users, or a first-hand look, there's no way of knowing which this wire is. The metallurgy might be good, and the galvanizing likewise, or both might be lousy. You get the idea. Because Spectra has been making dramatic inroads into fishing and other industrial rigging, it is possible/likely that there is a glut of unwanted wire rope around... Any chance of getting a sample?
One other detail: does the supplier specify any level of lube on the wire? You want it as dry as possible.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss