Mike Brockman
Ericson 41
I have tried that before and it doesn't work for me. I did a Pacific Cup years ago and was amazed at how every creak and groan that I had ignored before once I was 500 miles offshore (in my mind) became a impending rig failure. I don't think I completely slept for 10 days. I really need to know that the rig and rudder are good for my own piece of mind.Unless intending to sailing around the world I would try to talk myself into believing that the existing chainplates, if they pass even the incomplete visual inspection possible, are probably OK, or at least close enough for jazz.
I'd remain alert to the age of the rig the same way I remain alert to the age of myself.
Unless evidence of impending failure....