Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
I am preparing for my annual haul out and will replace the 3 yo keel cable . Local yard will make this however they suggested that a high strength rope such as Spectra would be stronger,flexibleetc and could be antifouled better . Has anyone used alternative materials for the cable . Ss in salt water sterts to fail after about 3 to 4 years but also grows shells which damage the roller .
I dunno, but Spectra, or something similar, is used for the backstay adjuster on the C&C 99, and I'm sure it's heavily loaded at times. The only possible drawback that I can see might be that it is subject to chafe. The transom of the C&C 99 rubbed against the dock in a storm, and the Spectra was chafed halfway through. Before you decide, you should examine the route that it takes, and see if there's any point where it might rub or chafe.
Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind" previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22 Past Commodore
I recall an ex-Catalina engineer is now working at Catalina Direct. (Kent Somebody?) While they sell only stainless keel cables, he might be willing to give you an objective assessment of an alternative. Salt water has always been an issue, so somebody has probably already thought this through (or even tried it). Personally, I wouldn't want to be the first test-case on something that can sink the boat as easily as this...
BTW, I'm curious about the fouling comparisons...
Dave Bristle Association "Port Captain" for Mystic/Stonington CT PO of 1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032 Passage, USCG "sixpack" (expired), Now on Eastern 27 $+!nkp*+ Sarge
While others may think differently, I have always found Lowell at CD to be a valuable resource. Spoke w/ him today about chainplate replacements while the mast is up...a very useful conversation.
I realize he is unlikely to advise folks to seek alternatives to products he sells - he all the same will share his thoughts as to the wisdom of substituting line for cable.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.