7X7 for standing rigging?

[Roger]

I'd like to redo all of my standing rigging. The plans say to use 6X7, but this seems unavailable in the US. I have found 3/16 7X7 in 316 stainless for a good price.

Does anyone know if 7X7 is a shipshape substitute for 6X7?

I know that 1X19 is standard now for standing rigging, and that 7X7 is used for running rigging, but it is easy to work with and the working load (on the 7X7) is still over 3,000 lbs (on a Tiki 21).

Thanks,

Roger

[Roger]

Not working load, minimum breaking load is 3,200lb.

[paul anderson]

Why not synthetics Roger?

[Roger]

I might use synthetic for the shrouds, but I want a steel forestay.

[Brad Ingram]

I went with 7x7 from rigging only. It's held up fine so far

[Rory McDougall]

Hi Roger

7x7 will be fine. Tiny bit more stretch than 1x19 but for Wharrams that makes no difference.

My advice would be to renew your bridle u-bolts at the bows especially if they are the 6mm to plans. I have 10mm on Cookie - only cos that's all they had when I was in Belize!! But would recommend 8mm. I have been on a Tiki 31 when an 8mm u-bolt broke - luckily the leeward one to mast stayed up amazingly.

Other option is to change to lashings through the stem. This is what I prefer - eliminating as much metal components as poss.

You may also want to go up a size in wire for the bridle? With the shallow side angles and fact that the shackles give point load to thimbles, these wires take the most load.

Have fun!

[Roger]

Thanks Rory - appreciate the feedback.

[Roger]

Thanks Brad

Brad Ingram said:

I went with 7x7 from rigging only. It's held up fine so far

[Brad Ingram]

Hey Rory, 

I have a bunch of 1x19 and want to lengthen my forestay a bit. With it being so hard to bend, is 1x19 still suitable for nicro sleeves if a large thimble is used?

Rory McDougall said:

Hi Roger

7x7 will be fine. Tiny bit more stretch than 1x19 but for Wharrams that makes no difference.

My advice would be to renew your bridle u-bolts at the bows especially if they are the 6mm to plans. I have 10mm on Cookie - only cos that's all they had when I was in Belize!! But would recommend 8mm. I have been on a Tiki 31 when an 8mm u-bolt broke - luckily the leeward one to mast stayed up amazingly.

Other option is to change to lashings through the stem. This is what I prefer - eliminating as much metal components as poss.

You may also want to go up a size in wire for the bridle? With the shallow side angles and fact that the shackles give point load to thimbles, these wires take the most load.

Have fun!

[Rogerio Martin]

I use 7x7 6mm in forestay and 5mm  in sidestays (shourds?) in Tiki 30, no problem yet. Maximum wind was 35knots with only main sail up.