Is anyone else using the older lengths of wires, for the forestay and shrouds?

I am going to re-wire this spring. But, I am uncertain about going with the current Hobie wires from the dealer, or having custom wires made to the older lengths. (I have a 1977 H-16.) I have NEVER had the problem of the teflon chips squeezing out from the mast base. I’ve heard many sailors complain that they can’t keep the chips in place over time. Could this be a side-effect of increased mast rake, that became popular with competition sailors and became the new standard? Since I don’t race, I’m not concerned about the slight performance edge of increased mast rake.

It would be a lot easier, just to get wires from a Hobie dealer, especially since my trusted custom shop has changed its focus to building high-tech boats. Would you trust the average sailboat/marine shop to swedge your wires? Should I just get the Hobie wires?

-Jeff

Salty Dog has rigging available in the "old school" lengths

Take look at the "Chip Keeper" used in new boats. Simple. Drill shallow holes around the inside of the cup. The chip squishes into the holes and locks in place. Losing chips is no longer an issue.

You could also change your sidestay chain plates from 7-hole to 10-hole. This would allow your mast to stand more upright with the new shorter shrouds.
Depending on how old your boat is, raking your mast back far could also cause other problems besides losing your mast chip. You'll need low profile blocks. Plus the sail cuts have changed as the masts have gone farther back.

sm

Flatlander:
Thanks for the link to Salty Dog. That looks like the best solution. Do they make the wires onsite, or get them somewhere else? Is the quality as good as factory wires (or better)? Are they single or double swedged? My old custom shop made them with with a slightly heavier wire. Are Salty Dog's wires heavier?

Matt:
So far, I have never had my chips squeeze out. They just wear thin. That certainly is a design improvement, though. I'd do it, if I had the problem, but if it's not broke...

-Jeff

I can't say where they get them, but my shrouds, bridles and forestay from Salty Dog have held up very well and are heavy enough for the considerable stress I have put them through.

N

don't know for sure
IMO, nothing beats Hobie quality
don't recall. Also, don't understand why anyone would double swage, seems as though if wire breaks at either swage you're toast. Anyone want to explain why it's "better"?
go back and look at the link, they offer HD (heavy duty) sets

I took another look at the link. I didn't find the HD sets on the wire list, but I did see you can order "custom" wires.

As for double swedging: I've heard stories of single swedges allowing slipping (not breaking) of wires. That would be a quality issue of improper workmanship or materials. If you request a second swedge, its a safety factor and a statement that you don't trust the maker. But some folks do it for peace of mind.

What year did the switch to more Rake and re-cut mainsails?
Scott

There has been changes all along the way. A major change was around 1982. New step casting allowed more rake, shorter shrouds and longer forestay. In April of 1995 we decided to use the 17 shroud length (small change / shorter) to simplify inventory. In 2009 we went to "Aussie" wire lengths.

Did the "pig tail" (upper forestay) change over time, or has it consistently stayed the same length?