Whitby 42 Brewer Sail Boats

The lower end of my bobstay was wrapped in yards of old plastic tape. Since she's on the hard, I decided to cut away the tape and take a close look at the fitting.

In order to prevent water from oozing into the threads, should I lube this area with a product like Lanocote (or similar corrosion inhibitor) and recover with rigging tape?

Some folks say that the above-deck shrouds and chainplates should be left uncovered for ease in inspection and to prevent water from collecting under the rigging tape. That's the way she was setup when I bought her a few months ago, so I see no reason to change that.

The bobstay is threaded and spends more time in the water, so I can see the wisdom in applying something like Lanocote.

Advice? Suggestions?

Ours was always uncovered
It did snap off at the upper fitting while I was yanking on it at the boatyard after 25 years (metal crevice corrosion)
It has been replaced and seems to do quite well "bare" although all the staylock standing rigging is also uncovered easier to clean and inspect

During a recent marine survey, the surveyor discovered several small cracks in the fitting at the base of the bobstay. I am in the process of replacing it (the piece that screws on to the bobstay and attaches the bobstay to the boat).

Since MENEHUE is one of the newer bowsprit boats, I thought it appropriate to notify you, and to urge those with older boats (maybe all boats with bowsprits?) to check the bobstay fittings very carefully.

To my knowledge, and for the 10+ years we have owned her, the fitting has not been covered with tape, or otherwise treated with anything.

John Cece
MENEHUNE #195 1982