Bobstay

Discussion in 'Metal Boat Building' started by John Dickie, May 2, 2022.

  1. John Dickie
    Joined: Apr 2019
    Posts: 33
    Likes: 4, Points: 8
    Location: South Africa

    John Dickie Junior Member

    Is it acceptable to have a solid rod or flatbar bobstay? It just seems so simple. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Rumars
    Joined: Mar 2013
    Posts: 1,790
    Likes: 1,107, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 39
    Location: Germany

    Rumars Senior Member

    Yes. No different from rod rigging.
     
  3. rangebowdrie
    Joined: Nov 2009
    Posts: 234
    Likes: 97, Points: 28, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: Oregon

    rangebowdrie Senior Member

    Perhaps with your boat this will have no bearing, but both wire and rod exhibit a fatal flaw.
    They are impossible to hold on to if you need the bobstay to get back aboard should you find yourself in the water unexpectantly.
    Yes, the rod is better than wire, having a swedge fitting on a wire end that is constantly immersed in salt water is asking for failure, it's not debatable.
    In boats with bobstays the most common cause of rig failure is bobstay failure, and the most common place of bobstay failure is the lower swedge fitting.
    If the boat can use it, the best is heavy chain.
    Any compromised links are readily seen, it has an elasticity that absorbs intermittent shock loading, and perhaps the most important feature: If you are in the water, you can hold on to it to save your life and pull yourself out.
     
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