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Old 08-23-2006, 05:25 AM
Brian Duff Brian Duff is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Annapolis
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Default materials for deadeyes, and lanyard question

Hello Riggers,
I am having trouble finding a satisfactory source for deadeyes and we are therefore going to make our own, problem is getting -lignum vitae-(sp?). I have been able to locate enough for one deadeye so for, and the wood is REALLY expensive ($80 for one 6by6by3" chunk !)
The deadeyes on this boat now were made out of white oak and they lasted about 6 years before cracking apart in lines from hole to hole to hole. I suppose part of the reason for this could have been that the old ones were home-made and there was simply not enough 'meat' between the holes. None the less, I am still left with the problem of finding a suitable wood to use for new deadeyes and would like some input from you riggers on what I might use successfully. We have been pondering purple heart, as I recall it is very strong and tight grained and durable, shipping cradles and containers are often made of the stuff. Any thoughts on what wood to use ?

My next question is in reference to the lanyard leading on deadeyes, the 'traditional' (tough word to use in any applicable manner unless addressing a particular type, region and date as the rule for tradition, but whatever) the traditional reeving is with a stopper knot up on the top deadeye. I have seen reference in quite a few books, and also here on this board, that the deadeyes could be set up with the dead end on the chain plate, or an eye bolt on the ships rail. I agree with the comments that this is surely stronger, and feel this would be better looking than a stopper knot up top.
So my question is why I can not find any vessels rigged with the dead end of the deadeye lanyards lead to deck or chain plate, not even a photo of it anywhere? I have only seen drawings and descriptions of this set-up. Some riggers must have recognized this was better and set their rigs up this way, but where?

It seems that leading the dead end to the rail or splicing the dead end onto the top deadeye would be a better way to rig lanyards, and I wonder why it was not universally done this way . Umm.
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Brian Duff
BVI Yacht Sales, Tortola
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