The stays are the skeleton of the rig, if a stay breaks the entire rig becomes unbalanced, which can have very grave consequences. We therefore advise a regular, thorough ocular inspection of the stays. Attention is paid to the state of the terminals (deformation, hair-line fractures etc.) the stays (oxidation, breakages, irregularities) and the turnbuckles (deformation, hair-line fractures, chafing, locking) these inspections are needed from when the rig is 5 years old.

The technical life span of stainless steel is between 10 and 15 years. The intensity of use of the rig does not make much difference as the mast is also rigged whilst berthed and the rigging is often more stressed by vibrations than during sailing. Only very heavy use (intense regatta sailing, long-range cruising) shortens the life span.

Rod rigging (solid stays) has virtually no elasticity and is therefore more prone to shock-stress. This makes the technical life span shorter than that of stainless steel wire, with a maximum age of 10 years.

Equipment exists for measuring rigging stress, however only an X-ray will give a 100% reliable analysis of the rigging. Only very expensive rigging makes an X-ray analysis a viable option, TUNED can arrange this for you.

We supply all types of stays: 1x19 stainless, Dyform (20% less elasticity), rod rigging or composite rigging. We use chrome-plated bronze turnbuckle housings which eliminates the chance of snagging and chafing. If required, we can mount stays with (hydraulic) tensioners.