cable cover yes or no

[1st Sail]

I ordered cable covers for he side stays. Since I trailer sail I thought they may prevent the stays from chafing on the life lines while traveling on the highway.
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/davis-ins ... 65_007_002

Now I'm having second thoughts about moisture retension between the cable and cover. I'm curious if others have used them or will the covers retain water/moisture in the cable wires and promote corrosion.

[sailboatmike]

I wouldnt worry about water, more of a problem could be crevice corrosion if plenty of air cant circulate around your shrouds, stainless steel needs air to form the oxidized protective coating that stops it from corroding

[JohnCT]

Xxx

[C Buchs]

My boat came with them. My jib sheets wear grooves in them. I replaced them with a new set at the beginning of the season. They were cheap, so I didn't put much thought into it. I work in the bridge strand industry. There has been attempts to put on plastic coatings to prevent corrosion, but most of them have caused more problems then they solve. What we found was that you can't keep water from getting in, so you have to provide a way for it to get out. With the slit down the length, these covers won't hold water. Therefore, I don't think these are a problem for the shrouds. I think their biggest value is helping to keep my jib sheets from wearing on the shrouds. They are also nicer to grab onto.

Jeff

[BOAT]

y jib sheets from wearing on the shrouds.

Jeff

Somthin' else is going on here - they should not be rubbing unless your talking about when the sail is furled at dock? (by the way - thanks for the info on the stranded wire industry - we all need some education on that stuff )

Why are the jib sheets rubbing on the shrouds? That just seems wrong to me (what am I missing? )

[C Buchs]

y jib sheets from wearing on the shrouds.

Jeff

Somthin' else is going on here - they should not be rubbing unless your talking about when the sail is furled at dock? (by the way - thanks for the info on the stranded wire industry - we all need some education on that stuff )

Why are the jib sheets rubbing on the shrouds? That just seems wrong to me (what am I missing? )

Yep. It's happening when the sail is furled. Maybe I pull my lines in too tight, but I don't want it to unfurl when we aren't around.

Jeff

[Azzarac]

I use them and love em'. I never thought of them preventing chafing from the lifelines. I always trailer with the lifelines disconnected. They do however help prevent chafing and staining of the mainsail when the wind has it forced against the rigging. I've never had any issues with water retention since they fit somewhat loosely and are split up the side.

[yukonbob]

No better way to destroy your rigging than putting those on. Take a look at other boats that have had them on for a few years. Full of crap and rust. SS needs air period.

[DaveC426913]

No better way to destroy your rigging than putting those on. Take a look at other boats that have had them on for a few years. Full of crap and rust. SS needs air period.

Really? I thought they provided enough air gap.

What if I went one size up?

[yukonbob]

No better way to destroy your rigging than putting those on. Take a look at other boats that have had them on for a few years. Full of crap and rust. SS needs air period.

Really? I thought they provided enough air gap.

What if I went one size up?

They probably do until the salt, moss and dirt fill it in. Been looking at boats for a year now and every one that has those cover on, whether shrouds or lifelines, you open them up and the wire is gone IMO. Purchasing a boat I see those as a reason to replace all standing rigging. Seen 35 year old boats with original exposed rigging that shows like new; And boats that are 20 years newer with covers the owners have added in the last decade and the rigging looks ready to fail. They trap dirt, salt and allow moss to grow with very little ability to inspect. Clean rigging has virtually the same chaffing factor as with the covers and most don't extend the length of the rigging. Mac rigging is 150 bucks to replace, if there's damage just replace it. But to each his own

[Signaleer]

covers retain water/moisture in the cable wires and promote corrosion.

Send them back... use money recovered for rum.

On a serious note... rum.

wait... on a really serious note... stays and shrouds are the most critical piece of the rig for safety. Putting these on compromises them, your ability to inspect them, hear them (not kidding). I always run my hand by habit, feeling for any deformity, and look for discoloration. Send them back.

and,,,, of course... rum.

[Signaleer]

No better way to destroy your rigging than putting those on. Take a look at other boats that have had them on for a few years. Full of crap and rust. SS needs air period.

Really? I thought they provided enough air gap.

What if I went one size up?

You can increase corrosion and add saftey risks by only 75% vs.... Why on earth would anyone use these?

[1st Sail]

Thanks to all for confirming my what I observed when I looked at the fit and finish. My rigging is in excellent condition so I intend to keep it that way. I out a few bucks and not worth shipping back to WM.

[sailboatmike]

YOu can use some PVC pipe over your shrouds if you are worried about them staining or damaging the sails