backstay insulators for galvanized rigging

[cwa]

I was wondering what would be a good choice for backstay insulators on a galvanized standing rig?

All commercialy available insulators that I've seen are made for stainless rigging.

I have been thinking of using short lengths of 3/8" Dyneema or Vectran with eye splices & thimbles on each end and the galvanized wire running between them.

My rig has two backstays and only one would be insulated.

Thanks,
Carl

[Brion Toss]

Hi,
Interesting question. We have sucessfuly used Sta-Loks on galvanized rigging; it is a matter of having enough sealant to isolate the metals. If the wire is served, careful work getting the service tight against the terminals will also prevent reaction. The hard part will be forming the wire (I am assuming it is 7x7). Having the proper wedges will help, but it can still be a bear.
The Spectra notion would also work, and would be much cheaper. Short runs, too, so elasticity differences would not be enough to affect tuning. Just go massive, to keep creep out of the mix. And use Dynex's latest. Colligo or Precourt can provide terminals.
Any chance you might throw away that other backstay?
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Ian McColgin]

Are those old fashioned glass insulators that accepted interlocked eye splices still findable?

[Brion Toss]

Originally Posted by Ian McColgin

Are those old fashioned glass insulators that accepted interlocked eye splices still findable?

Hi Ian,
I haven't shopped for them in a long time, but expect you can still find them. When I was starting out, though, I had direct experience with not one but two of them shattering. I think the idea is that they are not designed for sailing loads, and especially for the p.s.i. of 1x19. Not as efficient at insulating, and what the heck, heavier (all that wire).
Fair leads,
Brion

[cwa]

Brion, thanks for the info on the idea above but I have found perhaps another way.

What I've found in doing more research is the possibility of using "dead end" insulators.
These are rated at 15,000 pound breaking strength and made of galvanized steel & fiberglass/epdm rubber. They are used in the electrical distribution business to insulate the end of a run of high voltage wire. Electrically they have a 15,000 volt "flashover" rating. Of the two manufacturers that I contacted for additional information, I found that EACH insulator is factory pull tested to at least 1/2 of the breaking strength before it is shipped. One manufacturer pull tested a random sample every day to 18,000 pounds to check for any failures. These insulators have an eye fitting on one end and a fork fitting on the other end. Both fittings are for a 5/8" clevis pin and heavily galvanized.

Now the most amazing thing is that the pricing for these are between $20 and $30 depending where you buy them!

Any thoughts on using these type insulators?
Carl

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by Ian McColgin

Are those old fashioned glass insulators that accepted interlocked eye splices still findable?

My 2006 Hallberg-Rassy came with that style of backstay insulator although made of some high density artificial material, not glass. HR likes them because if something does fail the backstay will still hold.