Posted by: jofra ® 07/23/2006, 03:47:38 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Hi All, I have a 34' yacht that has stainless rigging. I will be retentioning the rigging shortly but am in a bit of a dilemma. I am not sure whether the rigging is in 304 or 316 stainless wire. As they have different breaking strains,8mm wire in 304 is 5200Kgs. and 316 is 4600Kgs. Is there any way I can tell the difference? Thanks in advance for any help you can give. Jofra

Replies to this message

Re: 304 / 316 Stainless (Can you tell the difference)
Re: 304 / 316 Stainless (Can you tell the difference) -- jofra	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: randykimball ® 07/23/2006, 23:09:05 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Forgive the simplicity, ... then pretend you know it is 316SS.. Your are safe and geeeze that should supply plenty of tension room, but although I was a sailor once... I know little about the task you are about to perform. Besides, would the existing wires and cables still have their origional tension strength? There must be weak points from kinks and stress.. and the line is only as strong as its weakest point. No doubt I'd pretend I knew it was the weaker alloy. Good luck! The worst suggestion of your lifetime may be the catalyst to the grandest idea of the century, never let suggestions go unsaid nor fail to listen to them.

Post Reply | Tell a Friend (must be logged in) | Alert Admin About Post

Where am I? Original Top of thread

| |

Re: Re: 304 / 316 Stainless (Can you tell the difference)
Re: Re: 304 / 316 Stainless (Can you tell the difference) -- randykimball	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: jofra ® 07/24/2006, 02:34:10 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Hi Thanks for your prompt reply. If I couldn't find an easy way to tell the difference I was going to assume that it was 316SS. When you tension rigging on a yacht you normally tension to 12% to 15% of breaking strain. If not tight enough the mast can pump at the base and cause damage. If to tight you face the possibility of either snapping the wire or breaking a fitting. It's all trial and error when you test sail your boat after re-rigging. Thanks again for your comments. Frank

Post Reply | Tell a Friend (must be logged in) | Alert Admin About Post

Where am I? Original Top of thread