Monel wire on the backstay

[pklein]

I'm planning on sending someone up the mast to attach my new tubular radar reflector to the backstay.

The manufacturer recommends using cable ties and I bought a backage of black cable ties which are supposed to be UV resistant.  However, any kind of plastic will eventually deteriorate and I was thinking of using some monel wire as a back-up to keep the device from going into the water when the plastic eventually weakens .

The backstay is stainless steel and I don't know what the monel wire is.  My concern is whether the two metals should be mixed.  I'd hate to do something that might weaken the backstay.

BTW: The old radar reflector now serves as a low altitude bird deflector and it seems pretty effective!  I hang it from the end of the boom when I'm away from the boat.

Phill Klein
Andiamo #977
Montrose Harbor - Chicago

[Jentine]

Monel is a copper/nickel alloy.  It is recommended for marine applications and should have no interaction with the stainless steel in the backstay.
Jim Kane