20 year old wire

[Gary]

Hi all,
I just purchased a Bristol Channel Cutter. When I did I was under the impression that the wire in the rig was about 12 years old. The wire is overisized 1x19 316. Specs call for 1/4-9/32. This is all 5/16. The ends are spilced over solid bronze thimbles. Well I just now learned that the wire is 20 years old. With wire splicing what is the recommended replacement interval?

I know she orginally had a trip to the Sea of Cortez. But since then she has been on a mooring in So Cal and not sailed very much. The rig is starting to weep rust down the hull here in the caribbean. Not bad mind you, but it's there.

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
First, the splicing is unlikely to be a limiting factor, unless it is served such that water can be trapped long-term inside. Next, the scantlings do sound absurdly huge, so as long as the tune has been good, fatigue is not likely to be a big issue. But of course rigs are often very badly tuned. Next, what is the wire's construction? 1/4" might be right for at least some of the wires in the rig, if the wire is 1x19. But if you happen to have 5/16" 7x7 or, worse yet, 7x19, you have a wire that is not all that much stronger than 1/4" 1x19, and is a lot more corrosion-vulnerable (more elastic, too). Next, we also know nothing about the quality of the current wire. Is it type 316? Who made it? What was the average break strength, as opposed to the rated strength?
So many variables. The short form is that it is probably time to replace it, regardless. 20 years in warm climates is a lot, whether it got heavily used or not. And where you are will only accelerate things. Before replacing anything, though, run the numbers. It is vanishingly unlikely that every wire in that gang should be 1/4".
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Gary]

Brion,
BCC specs as far as I know call for 1/4 on the lowers, intermediates and cap. 9/32 on fore,head and back. All 1x19. What I have is 316 stainless 1x19, and all is 5/16. Do not know the manufacturer.

I thought the wire was 12 years old, and figured another season before re-rigging. but now that I know it is this old I'm going to do it now. 20 years old makes me nervous. Going to go synthetic on the new rig.

Thanks Brion!