Wire jackstays

[dickhicks]

Re: Attach the end

I too have just bought new webbing jackstays from Jimmy Green who say the are tested to 2 tonnes - plenty strong enough. I also had snap shackles on the ends so they can be fitted and removed easily to prevent UV degradation. I would NEVER use wire as it rolls underfoot - very dangerous IMHO.

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[charles_reed]

sewn tapes

The Sydney-Hobart report cited 3 cases where tape stitching had come undone with the result that crew went overboard even though harnessed.

The deduction was that the stitching had failed under snatch load because of UV degradation.

UV is is far stronger in the S Hemisphere and at Australian latitudes, than are experienced in UK waters.

The thread used was white nylon - which in any case has a low UV resistance. Changing the thread would obviously help, but it has been, for some time, best practice to knot and then sew tape.

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[anabel]

Certainly would not replace webbing jackstays for wire ones unless you want to break your neck when on deck in rough weather. Webbing is plenty strong if you use correct size & material. Get your local sailmaker to stitch in s/s triangles, 8 or 10 mm. (can be had from 'Sea Sure'). Then shackle on stays at beginning of season & remove at end. You can tape over the stitching to protect it from UV & wear. Pull off this tape once or twice a season to confirm it ok. It only takes 5 mins to do this & costs practically nothing. Make sure they are long enough for you to move from one end of the boat to the other without having to unclip your safety harness. Also have them so that you can attach yourself BEFORE you leave the cockpit.

anabel

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