Rigging with Dux questions...
#637
Mark Johnson
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: New Bern NC
Boat: Searunner 34 "Delphys"
Posts: 81
Replacing SS standing rigging with Dux?
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I need some feedback... You especially could help Jack.
I am considering using Dux rigging for my running backs for starters, but have a couple of reservations. One is the lifespan. They claim 5 years, as compaired to 8 for 316 SS. This confuses me... As a boatbuilder/cruiser, I don't have many racing friends, or for that matter friends with million dollar mega yachts. But none of the thousands of people I have known over 40 years of doing this, has changed out their SS rig @ 8 years old, just because! Mine, (316 1X19 wire), is 14 years old, and technically due for replacement, yet it looks perfect. (I use properly installed Sta Locs). In all of these years, and tens of thousands of miles, I have re-tuned only once. (almost no creep) In fact, as I replace my wires, I'd gladly have them destruction tested, and bet $1,000 that they would test out at 90% of their origional strength. At least I'd do it once. I can't afford to be wrong more than that!
With synthetics exposed to UVs, If & when it is determined that 5 years is the safe replacement interval, that's when I'd replace it! So this issue of having from half to one third the lifespan, makes the Dux look quite expensive by comparison to SS. Time will tell?
I have re-read Jack Molan's impressive volume of information on Dux and gather that replacing my too stretchy 1/4" wires with 7MM Dux would result in "creep" that would require regular Re-tuneing. However if I go with 9MM, I have VASTLY more strength at less stretch, and almost no "creep" issues. This is a plus, so I'd oversize to minimize "creep".
Also I see that there is a UV cover available with slightly more windage. (double the lifespan)? I assume that the splice over the terminator is left bare? Is this the case? If so, is it assumed that the line being thicker at the splice/terminator, makes it enough stronger here that the UVs don't make this area the stay's weak link.
Then there is windage... I know that due to the vortices created, things like a wire have far more wind resistance than their windage alone would indicate. This creates parasitic drag. (especially with our 12 wires) Has it been determined that the undeniably "lighter on her feet" motion of a lighter rig, is a bigger plus than a rig with less windage. I would assume that a fatter but way lighter rig wins out, but wonder if it is a fact?
Then there is one more concern. The terminators being of aluminum, and attched to the SS mast fork tangs by a SS clevis pin, (with the cheeks chaffing the anodizing), or my runner's SS pin attched snapshackle, makes for a corrosion potential. This may be purely cosmetic, or it may eat away enough material to make the terminators expendable, just like the line, in 5 or 6 years. (even more expensive)
Don't get me wrong. I like the idea of using Dux. I plan to give it a try on my runners... I hope this stuff really is a viable alternative to conventional SS wire. I know I need a less stretchy alternative to what I have. (1/4" 316 1X19 SS wire) I just have these reservations, and this is too new a technology to have a proven track record, at least as far as a replacement for a sailboat's standing rigging. (at a similar cost over time?)
Any feedback on the subject would be appreciated...
Mark J
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