replacing running rigging on a sailboat

A lot of new boat owners overlook the maintenance costs of sailboats - and maintenance can get pricey quickly. If you want to know exactly what the USCG safety requirements are, including checklists, definitely check out my article here. Having to hire a rigger to climb your mast to run a new halyard after the old one breaks. The interval of longterm maintenance will increase dramatically in these conditions. A prudent sailor should inspect his or her standing rig at least once each season and should know when the time comes to replace most or all of it. There are also a few spots where the chafe is more serious. Youll need about 500 feet for an average 30 footer. All standing rigging, whether rod or wire, has to end in a fitting that attaches to the deck and mast. Maybe dying or some other high tech test would. I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content. The total maintenance cost on a tight budget can get as low as $275 per year, or $23 per month. Then we head over to Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies for a tu. The standing rigging consists of wires supporting the mast on a sailboat and reinforcing the spars from the force of the sails when sailing. The only thing we can really do is regularly inspect lines to look for wear. WE SHIP WORLDWIDE: More Info. A good set of rigging is of great importance in order to ensure navigation without causing any damage. Sailors' hands are busy with the running rigging most on a sailboat. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. Steps. USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly. Inboard engine (and generator) starters cost from $40 - over $1,000 depending on the engine. You could consider buying a LED electric distress light instead, which will last you a lifetime. This small cruiser is well built, easy to handle and relatively economical to maintain. It would help if we knew what your boat was! We offer a full range of sailing lines to replace any or all the running rigging on your boat such as halyards, sailboat sheets or control lines. The Average Cost to Shrink Wrap a Boat (per foot), seasonal maintenance, hull, engine, rigging, don't set aside money for long-term recurring maintenance (rigging, sails, hardware, and batteries), don't outsource engine maintenance, instead do oil changes ourselves, seasonal maintenance - yearly recurring jobs. If you have (reasonable) evidence that the PO replaced only the worst sections, it's safe to assume that the rest of the rig is getting ancient and failure prone. As you can see, most of these costs are longterm recurring maintenance costs. Still a lot of people single braid nylon for docklines, its a little more flexible. That's why I've calculated the average maintenance costs for four different types of boat below: Your specific maintenance cost will vary depending on what type of boat you have and how you'll use it. Since each one is 34' and then add another 6-10 to be safe? The cost to replace standing rigging obviously varies from boat to boat. Cleat the halyard and pull it to the tape mark on one side . For later reference, photograph each wire end, terminal and mast attachmentditto for the lower ends, turnbuckles, toggles and chainplatestaking careful note of the positions of the turnbuckles. 26' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $1,000 - $2,500. And never forget the golden rule: if in doubt, sling it out. Most racers that use stripped cover halyards are diligent about inspecting these lines and some even replace them every season. Marine sailboat supplier of running rigging - halyards, dock lines and halyar=ds shackles. Now, let's return to the original proposition, which was a complete replacementon three different cost levelsof basic running rigging for a 32 sloop. This is a perfect example to illustrate why a thorough, yearly inspection of running rigging is important. If you dont have that you may be able to find it on line or on line at your boat class owners association. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. For all remaining running rigging, you can use polyester double-braid rope. I found some tests that some SBO folks had done many years ago on the O'Day 25's standing rigging. How much does a used sail cost? 2. We're the first and last stop for parts and accessories. Its good enough to get you to safety and someplace you can make a more permanent repair. Riggers say very few sailors re-rig from wire to rod or the reverse, but if switching is on your mind, have a professional make a full assessment first. When rigging the sails of a sailboat, it is important to properly prepare the boat. Tips on leading lines aft to the cockpit for single-handed sailing; Running rigging color selection, line storage, and more! They can also crack under the constant tension, particularly if the rig has been pumping in rough seas or if the toggles that ensure proper shroud alignment have seized and cant move freely. The owner didnt adjust the rigging to compensate for the stretch for several seasons. The biggest problem with rigging and older sailboat with high-tech lines to control the sails is that the lines are too strong for the boat. So youre sailing offshore and youre looking at the windward shroud thats taut, and thats not the one to worry about. Its imported and sold through distributors like Alps Wire Rope. That said, it is perfectly possible, though somewhat tedious, to change shrouds and stays in pairs with the mast up by using halyards and intermediate tackles to support it. Gas engine will last a lot less long than diesels. This is a quick and easy job for a rigger to do and covers can be replaced each season rather than discarding the rope. Running rigging The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. That said, some sailors prefer wire over rod for a number of reasons. Next check the back and forestay fittings where they connect to the mast, ensuring any clevis pins are straight and secure. Replacing your old worn out or damaged standing rigging is a crucial requirement to insure your safety and the safety of others. I'll explain each line item in detail later on. Winter storms and ice can damage the hull and mast as well. The worst-case scenario, of course, is that the chainplates pull right out of the deck, with catastrophic consequences. You must log in or register to reply here. Start by digging out the bosuns chair and finding a trusted (and hopefully fit) buddy to help you. If your running rigging has seen better days, now might be the time to replace it. I ended up just replacing all of the standing rigging through rigginonly.com in Fairhaven Ma. PACESHIP PY26 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com. Hello improvesailing.com webmaster, You always provide useful information. The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. The annual maintenance cost is $2,000 - $3,000 for most boats, but the actual total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000. [advertisement]. That cost me $10k. You cannot use a mechanical fitting on rod rigging. This video illustrates how to change your halyard rope in your sailboat. Another factor in your DIY decision-making process is simple: peace of mind. There are other wires out there that are cheaper, but theyre not guaranteed.. Improve Sailing 14.8K subscribers In part 3 of our series on sailboat parts, we dive into two types of rigging: standing rigging and running rigging. Riggers say the question of whether to rig with wire or rod is usually fairly easily answered: Run what you brung. In this article, I'll show you what to expect. After that, you'll need to change them out. The breaking strength of this line is now significantly reduced. Step 1 - Hire a professional rigger with a good reputation to do a thorough survey of your standing AND running rigging. Of course, if you have an outboard engine the installation price will be nothing more than a few drops of sweat, swearing, and back pain for a day or two. Let's start by getting a good overview of the different maintenance costs. Much depends on where it is manufactured; Herman and other riggers say the best wire today is coming from South Korea through a manufacturer called KOS, making wire to military specifications. I'll also inquire about upgrading to one size up. The short answer is, lithium batteries perform better and last longer than many lead-acid batteries. If your boat is in a full cradle, however, this shouldnt be an issue. This could be a marine eye, a marine fork, a T-head or a J-hook, among others. By taking on the labor yourself, you'll probably save as much as $2,000 on the re-rigging cost, he says. One advantage is that you might not need to winterize if you're a fulltime cruiser since you'll probably spend your winters in Bermuda. No signs of corrosion or stray strands anywhere. Now is a good time to install all new cotter pins or rings to leave no doubt as to the integrity of your connections. I use a 3D model and some diagrams. The total maintenance cost varies a lot, depending on the following factors: Still, we want a general feel of what to expect. One thing all the riggers I spoke with expressed emphatically was that stainless steel needs oxygen to create a fine film of oxidation that protects the metal. The number one destroyer of line is chafe. Tests done by the magazine Practical Sailor and others show that if you tie any type of knot in a high-tech line, you can reduce the breaking strength of the line by up to 80%. 1. Lastly, check your boom, starting with the gooseneck, mainsheet and vang fittings, where huge forces are applied when the rig is under load. Sailboat Running Rigging You don't want to have faulty sailboat running rigging. However, what you'll actually pay really depends on the type of boat you have and what you do with it. It is comprised of fixed lines, wires, or rods that are designed to support each mast or bowsprit on sailing vessels. Perhaps a rogue cotter pin sticking out of a turnbuckle. The customer had had the boat re-rigged, and during a trip to the BVI, the new wire stretched. Your sail area will most likely also be larger, which means your sail replacement will be more expensive. and about a 200' " anchor .line. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Sun wear and constant use will wear down the sails and rigging even more. The easiest way to prevent line from chafing all the way through is to simply look at your line. Since then I've enjoyed sailing very much - and I've never been afraid of the water again. Do a few turns on one side before going to the other and applying an equal number. What would be the maintenance cost if you were on a tight budget? Lifejackets have to be replaced every 10 years. Usually the owners manual gives you the specifications of all the running and standing rigging. This line wont last long in these conditions. It wears with time due to UV exposure, flogging, strain from the wind, and regular use. The installation of the engine will cost a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. With a spare mechanical end fitting, wire and the proper tools, you can replace a stay pretty much anywhere. The biggest thing we like to have is the history of the boat: what kind of boat it is, how its been sailed and where has it been sailed, says Jay Herman, owner of Annapolis Rigging. I cant understand why they wanted 75 feet for the main as I still have 25-30 feet even when the main sheet is eased all the way. For instance, the Rigging Company makes a spare-stay kit that can accommodate either wire or rod rigging repairs, Cockerill says. Replacing your Standing Rigging with Jimmy Green Marine. On sailboats, however, there aren't a lot of non-essential parts. Add winches and UV rays and the wear and tear can be significant so it's important to use a quality line. If in doubt, get a professional opinion. For each diameter of rigging wire your boat requires drill a hole that size near the corner of the block. For a small boat (under 30 feet), you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 for standing rigging replacement. Then the swager is used to compress the fitting so tightly that the wires merge into a solid piece of stainless steel and cant pull out (right). Although the hull actually read more, It was March, and Id made it through another Maine winter. But here are some things we could do out to save some big bucks: Winterizing your boat yourself can cost you as little as $50 for antifreeze and an oil change afterward. It's a good idea to replace wire running rigging with high-modulus rope, but the reality is that in most cases we can't because many masts that were designed for wire have sheaves that are: Grooved for wire. Sailboat rigging very rarely fails from being overloaded. sailboats with inboard engine: $5,000 - $10,000, sailboats with outboard engine: $1,000 - $1,500, most powerboats (inboard engine): $15,000 - $35,000, small outboard engines (2-5 hp): $1,000 - $1,500, large outboard engines (100+ hp): $10,000+. Technical support for boat owners and maintenance yards servicing Sabre sail and motor yachts | Sabre Yachts Technical Support Contacts in Sabre's After Sales Service Department may be reached by calling 207-655-3831 or by filling in the contact form. The total maintenance cost for a small daytripper will average around $1,600 per year or $133 per month. Are the chainplates sound? Wendy Mitman Clarke is currently between passages. They weigh less and take up less room. Take a look at your mast stepparticularly if your mast is keel-stepped, as bilge water can cause serious corrosion at the foot of the mast. The 150 Genoa sheets were 35 feet each as Faster suggests but my halyard lines, which are wire and rope were only 40 feet of rope. I just replaced all the rope running rigging on a Catalina 27 for about $300. At minimal cost you can rig a permanent preventer that is easy to use, is fully adjustable, and does not require going forward on deck. The theory is that youve crushed it so tightly that all the wires inside have just merged into one solid piece of stainless, Madden says. Some boaters don't shrink wrap in the winter because of it. The only thing we can really do is regularly inspect lines to look for wear. When youre happy everything is in place, its time to tune your rig. Tag each line with a sticker noting which line it is. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. On this eye splice, the core has herniated out of the cover. I've read that the inner stays rarely snap. Before re-tuning the rig the mast base, turnbuckles and stay fixtures should be inspect. If line is properly taken care of, it can last many decades. Too narrow for equivalent ropeshould be 10% wider than the diameter of the rope. This way you wont risk deforming the mast or pulling a fitting out of line. It sounds to me that the question is when, not if you will go for new rigging. If you carry a life-raft you'll need to replace that every 12 years as well. If the leeward shroud flops around underway, the constant flexing will weaken the metal over time and make it more prone to fail. I think another factor to consider is how much of the "life time" of the rigging was spent with the boat in the water and the mast up. A swaged fitting is a terminus thats attached using a machine called a swager. A running manoeuvre has a free end that can be acted upon. Proper size and material components for the rig are further consideration. It wears with time due to UV exposure, flogging, strain from the wind, and regular use. On top of that, maintaining your boat properly is critical. Strong, durable lines are essential for controlling the sails on your boat without risking your own safety, or that of the sails. You can also use sacrificial covers to protect halyards from clutch damage,. When I thought about it this way, it seemed easy to give ourselves 20 years of confidence for our Lake Erie boat, rather than take the risk of waiting. I push the boat hard whenever conditions allow and am always a bit leery of its old rigging. Click here for a full walkthrough with diagrams. Picking up early signs of corrosion or replacing select components after a thorough inspection is a worthwhile exercise because it may extend the lifespan of your standing rigging. Mount the masts. For that reason, its difficult to give an accurate estimate of the cost of making the switch, even for an average 40-footer. Best Price Opti Running Rigging Sheets Halyard Line Sailboat Kit 100% Original + FREE Delivery discount activity gsmsharmaji.com, US $174 sail ties Lower Spirit Halyard 1 ea and shock cords One of the best ways to improve an aging Opti is to overhaul and replace all the running rigging Upper Spirit Halyard 1 ea, Free shipping on all orders . Stainless steel needs oxygen to prevent crevice corrosion, so dont overdo it with tape (left); enough to cover the cotter pin will suffice (center). It's about a days worth of work. The screw threads and locking nuts need regular cleaning and some light greasing to prevent corrosion. Copyright 2023 Cruising World. There are some question as to whether or not you should replace your turnbuckles along with the wire. Our selection runs the gamut, from economical polyester single- and double-braids to high-tech, low-stretch line made from materials such as Dyneema, Spectra, Technora, Kevlar and Vectran. The Netherlands The condition of this halyard is likely due to UV degradation. if it were wire you could get away for about half that price. Seems like a lot for a 40' boat. They aren't even worn enough to require end-for ending yet. It requires more careful consideration of condition, usage, and inspection for signs of failure. You can see that the chafe is only occurring on one side of the line, the side that comes in contact with the sheave. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. From knowing the parts of the sails to understanding the need for tension, I'll go over everything you need to know about rigging sails. Low-cost tension gauges are now available and are a useful addition to your cruising toolbox anyway. Theres a rule of thumb, but it varies rigger to rigger, says Steve Madden, co-owner of M Yacht Services in Annapolis and the head of its M Rigging division. I agree with a general average of 20 years for replacing the standing rigging. Down Haul. If you're on a budget, you can maintain your boat reasonably well for just $1,000 / year. Overall condition is good with some kinks here and there. Read more on the average cost to replace a boat starter here. Likewise, if you already have wire with fittings that accommodate your boat and mast, stick with wire. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates. How Much Does it Cost to Dock a Boat for a Year? I should have changed mine sooner than I did. If the baseplates, for example, are leaking, water will penetrate the deck, making the surrounding deck core mushy and weak (if a core exists) and possibly compromising supporting bulkheads and structures belowdecks. I'm on Lake Michigan. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Place the top of the sail in the mast track and pull on the halyard. This halyard had been wrapped around a shroud and tightened to prevent it from slapping against the mast while at the dock. Splices should be made by a professional, high tech line is very difficult to cut. . To the best of my knowledge it hasn't had a trailer until last year so the mast was up through the winter. . RIGGING TIP: Why not fit a pair of mast steps a few feet from the masthead to give you a solid base on which to stand while youre working up there, rather than hanging uncomfortably in the bosuns chair? If the existing is frayed and faded - then a decision should be made to contract a rigger, preferably to x) inspect and give a written report on the condition of all the running rigging; to y) provide a written quotation to supply and fit new line; to z) provide a written quotation to replace sheeves and other running rigging components with new. With chainplates its often not the actual hardware that fails, but the structure that supports them. Researchers have announced the discovery of the wreck of the schooner barge Ironton in Lake Huron, sitting upright with masts and rigging still intact and with the lifeboat that could have saved her crew still lashed to the ships stern. How exactly do you determine how much line you need for a given size sailboat? Boats used for coastal cruising, week ending or day sailing may go longer. Now would also be a good time to change those old cotter pins and circlip rings as well. Complete, illustrated 16 page instruction guide to get your new DragonForce 95 rigged, setup and on the water! Marine-suitable stainless wire is called 316 grade, but even that doesnt mean youre necessarily getting high-quality wire. The idea is you come on deck with this small canvas bag and make it happen, Cockerill says. But Malizia is far from the only team struggling to keep their boat in good read more, Get your ground tackle setup right, and youll sleep much easier while youre cruising.

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