Gal rigging

[Guest]

Help

We are in Melb Aust and re-rigging a 1895 gaff rigged jack yard cutter.

We are looking for a recipe or a product for tarring the gal wire shrouds after we have done the parceling and serving. Can you help or point us in any directions.

Thanks

Brendyn Hancock

 

[Mirelle]

After parcelling and serving.....well, Stockholm tar (aka pine tar if you are American) is the stuff. Also used on the feet of sheep so if yot chandlers don't have it try a farmers merchants (and probably half the price!) In fact you should use it before parcelling the wire as well as afterwards.

Snag - it does not dry readily, so either add Japan driers or mix it with old varnish (which has driers in it) to make it "go off". No need to do this with the coat that goes on before the parcelling.

Repeat once a year or so.

Be warned, the stuff gets everywhere.

 

[Peterduck]

I think that you and I should get together. Come and have a look at my 1917 gaff ketch at Royal Yacht Club in Williamstown. I think that I can help in a lot of ways, having done it all before. Call me on 9555 3598.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for you responses.

Keep them coming.

Peter you will know the boat.
Waitangi and if you have been to the club today (monday) will have seen her in a sorry sight with her mast horizontal.

Talk with Keith at GG Marine hes the one actually doing the work.

brendyn

 

[Gunfleet]

All this talk of boats is very interesting, but what about this GAL rigging the header promises? Sounds v. interesting.

 

[Mirelle]

GALvanised nm

1

 

[Gunfleet]

Re: GALvanised nm

drat!

 

[Gordonmc]

I have galvanised rigging on a m'head sloop and use a gloop called Waxoil which is a suspension of wax in turps/white spirit used to rustproof cars.
It can be sprayed... messily. I heat it in a bucket of hot water and apply with a brush which allows it to penetrate the strands.
The downside is it never dries completely, but I use bamboo guards on the lower parts of the shrouds. There is a black variety, if aesthetics are important.