Wire size decisions, Ericson 26
 

Trying to determine correct size of wire and turnbuckles for my 'new to me' 1969 Ericson26, #083 (displacement=5250, keel=2250). Specs I found on eyo site call for 3/16" wire, 3/8" turnbuckle fore and aft, 5/16" turnbuckle on sides. Someone even suggested upgrading the Forestay to 7/32". The boat currently has 5/32" wire with 1/4" turnbuckles all around. Been that way for years. Another E26 nearby has 5/32" wire with 5/16" turnbuckles all around. Owner says he's sailed it hard and has been knocked down, with the rigging like this for 8 years working fine. All these rigging options have financial considerations. I don't want to spend an extra $500 bucks on an old boat if I don't have to. I've searched but there is no information on design specs in general for this mast height and keel weight. Riggers have liability and won't commit. What's should be on this 26? "If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad."
Happy in Tomales Bay, CA.

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It, yes, depends
 

Hi,
If I understand correctly, the site is recommending two turnbuckle sizes for one wire size, so right away things seem odd.
Next, 5/16" is the proper turnbuckle size for 5/32" wire. 1/4" turnbuckles don't give a sufficient factor of safety.
Next, there is no direct, reliable relationship between displacement and rig load.
Next, have you tried a direct incline test? Worked through the formulas in the Apprentice? Wire size is driven by loads. If you want an optimal rig, it doesn't matter what your dock neighbors did; it matters what is optimal.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

wire options
 

Thanks for the reply and information. I'm going to go with the 3/16 wire with 5/16 turnbuckles for the fore and aft lowers. After I get them on, I'll feel better about going the rest of the up the mast to measure the guys and uppers.
steve