Opinions? Keel pendant-stainless cable or synthetic?

gregcrawford · Post by **gregcrawford** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 3:14 am

In cruising the net, I have seen both stainless cable and things like low stretch vectran synthetic used for the keel pendant. What do you use, what diameter is it, and how much do I need?

Mine is, unfortunately, galvanized and kinked.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon Nov 02, 2009 1:26 pm

Stainless steel and 3/16", the last owner installed it.

Thanks
Alan

Chrysler20%26 · Post by **Chrysler20%26** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:28 am

For fresh water sailers, I think Galvanized cable, would be better than Stainless. Need help on this post, What is the best????

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:10 am

I vote stainless and I sail salt!

Hmm, does that make me a salty sailor??
Scott

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:30 am

Stainless 3/16".

Gus · Post by **Gus** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 12:27 pm

Don't go with the rope, use SS wire.

gregcrawford · Post by **gregcrawford** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:03 am

Thanks, everyone.

Does anyone remember how long the cable should be? If not, I can unspool it and measure it.

Windward · Post by **Windward** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:19 pm

On Windward (C26, not C22) I upsized to 1/4", and am using stainless cable. Believe length there was 9'.

Sadly, none besides the "stainless" is likely to help you much.

Sailfrog · Post by **Sailfrog** » Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:33 pm

Chrysler22%26,

Why do you think galvanized would be better for us freshwater sailors?

Dan
Great Lakes sailor

Chrysler20%26 · Post by **Chrysler20%26** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:55 am

sailfrog, I have only ben sailing four 3 years. But I was an Iron Worker for 33 years. Stainless cable does not like to bend, an likes a stedy pull. Our swing keels bounce around a lot in ruff water. Galvanized cable is stronger, more flexable, an will with stand the keel bouncing up an down. I have Galvanized cable on my C-20 an on my Mac 25 . The cable is vary old, an has no broken strans. My C-26 Has a rather new Stainless cable, with a lot of broken strans. I have both types of cable on stand by. 3/16 9' I keep the keel up all the time. Just don't trust the cable, I never got around to chang it, an now the water is to cold. I am sailing every day I can, but times running out.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 4:56 am

Now that is good info from a view of experience !

Sailfrog · Post by **Sailfrog** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:23 am

Thanks for the informative answer Chrysler20%26. I'm south of you, in Plymouth, MI and I agree, the water is getting cold. But, that's why they make wetsuits. My boat sits on the trailer unless she's sailing so corrosion won't be a problem. But, I'm grateful for the knowledge about the differences between SS and galvanized. Makes sense to me. Actually, based on your information, I think I might go with galvanized even if I sailed salt water.

Dan

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