Rod v. Wire Rigging - Valiant 42

[Auspicious]

I am not a rigger.

One of my customer's has a Valiant 42 in need of new rigging. Valiants came from the factory with rod rigging. In this case the formed heads at the ends of the rigging are cracked in all six of the fittings that we have inspected (obviously there are a bunch more).

Acting for the owner I am getting estimates to rerig the boat. Obviously, in addition to my own experience I am leaning on friends and colleagues for advice. That would include y'all. *grin*

Breaking strength of replacing the existing rod is about 150# higher than converting to wire, not significant.

Bernie Jakits of Rogue Wave Yacht Sales thinks moving to wire would reduce the resale value of the boat by a lot. Bernie is a very experienced guy (a yacht broker who really sails) and specializes in Valiants and other nice bluewater boats.

I have bids coming in from five riggers for new rod, reforming the ends of the existing rod, and using wire.

Thoughts are welcome.