I have asked this before, but my mind is full of mush and can't seem to make a decision so I need help please; Should I replace some of my standing rigging because I see a few terminals having a little bend or a bend/kink on a couple shrouds ?
These areas have been pretty much been this way for about 4 years or so, and I think maybe even when I bought boat in 2009, here in SE Michigan where I only have been sailing on Ford Lake,
which is only 1000 acres .
As I examined these spots I didnt see any broken strands, nor felt any burrs on the rigging, so see attached pics and please tell me your thoughts; do I put her in so I can sail here for the holiday weekend, or do I stop and take the off shrouds to get replaced ?
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(http://i1128.photobucket.com/albums/m483/Ypsi-Compac/SailorsWorkbench%20Boatworks%20and%20Dock%20rebuilds/Com-Pac%20Yacht%2023%20-%20Sailboat%20works/IMAG04001_zps0yekk9dt.jpg) (http://s1128.photobucket.com/user/Ypsi-Compac/media/SailorsWorkbench%20Boatworks%20and%20Dock%20rebuilds/Com-Pac%20Yacht%2023%20-%20Sailboat%20works/IMAG04001_zps0yekk9dt.jpg.html)
Go Sailing - If you wait for everything to be perfect you will be drinking on your boat on your boat trailer instead of the water
I would go sailing as well, AS LONG AS there wasn't a really strong wind. If there were, I wouldn't want to run the risk of it snapping at the threads where it's bent, breaking and then your mast going over. If you are worried about it, tie a strong line around the mast above the shroud, and then the other end below the turnbuckle to take off a little of the strain, or to hold things together if it does break. Basically a backup shroud.
When it does break, it will likely be a sudden failure. I would also inspect the threads carefully for any cracks. If there are, they WILL fail eventually.
You can try find a cheap magnaflux kit maybe at an auto parts store and check for hairline cracks.
Rick