My '73' DSII has the original standing rigging and I've been reading posts in this forum about losing masts due to stay or shroud failure and I'm getting worried. My boat has been extremely well kept and my rigging looks very, very good at all the fittings and shows no signs of corrosion or fatigue. I had thought about just switching this winter to the D & R 1/8" rigging but now I'm wondering if I really need to change it. I know its 42 years old but I just can't see anything about it that looks like it should be replaced.
I guess I'm looking for some advice on this one. I don't really mind spending the money on new rigging but I'm also of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mindset. Are there some special inspection procedures that I'm missing? I don't race this boat and it never gets pushed hard. But I don't want to be "that guy" who lost a mast because I didn't replace the 42 year old stays.
Does anyone know how much more weight aloft the new rigging adds to the boat? And, has anyone looked into synthetic standing rigging such as Dynex Dux? Its way overkill for a daysailer I know but its got some considerable advantages over stainless. I don't moor or dock this boat. Its trailered every time we sail and kept in a garage (has been for its entire life according to the previous and original owner and I believe him).
Thanks in advance for the suggestions/experiences.
Eric