kinked/bent wire rigging

[rperret]

Hello

After a hasty process of unstepping my mast, storage, etc, I noticed that my backstay is kinked/bent - about a 50-60 degree kink in the wire - seems to hae ve occurred when I carelessly stored it a week ago...

Its 1x19 5/32" wire purchased new in 2003.

Questions

1) Can it be used next season as is?
2) Can i bend it back to straighten out? (probably not...)
3) Buy new backstay

Thanks

Rick
Tanzer 22

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Bent wire is one thing; kinked is another. If the wire is truly kinked (a sharp corner, with localized deformation of yarns) then the wire is in need of recycling. Gradual bends, or "dog legs" can be straightened. This is particularly so with stainless, which is easier to embrittle than other metals. What you currently have is a 1x19 paper clip with a crease in it.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Ian McColgin]

Ahoy there,

Any time around boat yards will reveal lots of boats with kinked stays. They have three things in common.

They are not maintained or handled in a truely seaworthy manner.

They are not pushed very hard.

They are subject to expensive repair bills when (not if) the rig fails.

Your call.

G'luck

Ian