replacing running rigging on a sailboat

With chainplates its often not the actual hardware that fails, but the structure that supports them. But you can't really detect corrosion down into the swage. 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). Also, you'll have plenty of time doing odd jobs yourself, since you'll be living on the boat. With a spare mechanical end fitting, wire and the proper tools, you can replace a stay pretty much anywhere. Read more on the cost of antifouling your boat. The idea is you come on deck with this small canvas bag and make it happen, Cockerill says. Running rigging varies between vessels that are rigged fore and aft and those that are square-rigged. Write the diameter near the hole with sharpie. Do this by placing a wrap of tape 3 up from the upper chainplate pin hole on each upper shroud. . The November 1969 Modern Boating magazine . splicing any of these high tech lines is not for the faint hearted. Probably the trickiest will be the forestay and backstay, as these carry the greatest loads, although all the standing rigging can be loosened to some degree when at rest. 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. Their solidworks simulations revealed the rigging was on the lighter side. For dry storage, part of the process can be to shrink wrap your boat. I'll explain each line item in detail later on. Have a feel for any rough or sharp edges, especially cotter pin ends that might chafe lines or sails. We replaced the line AND the sheave box to ensure that the new halyard wont chafe. Gas engines run for about 1,500 hours, diesel engines run for 5,000. So you don't want them on there. Chafe usually happens gradually over long periods of time and it is only a serious problem when it goes unnoticed. Proper size and material components for the rig are further consideration. To be more precise, the highly tensioned stays and shrouds that support the mast are known collectively as standing rigging, whilst the rope halyards, sheets and other control lines come under the heading of running rigging. Usually the owners manual gives you the specifications of all the running and standing rigging. [1] Shrouds and stays should be replaced in pairs, applying just enough tension to support the mast with you climbing it, but not tuned to sail. Similarly, its easier to find usable replacement parts far from busy ports. Steps. Riggers say the question of whether to rig with wire or rod is usually fairly easily answered: Run what you brung. 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. That said, some sailors prefer wire over rod for a number of reasons. Add winches and UV rays and the wear and tear can be significant so it's important to use a quality line. These products sell from $1.00 to $2.50 per foot. I'll agree that most of the kinks were created during stepping or prepping for storage. Check your spreaders, chainplates and turnbuckles for cracking, fatigue, missing cotter pins/rings, etc. Gas engine will last a lot less long than diesels. Installing the new standing rigging is simple for a trailer sailor after the mast is unstepped. If you want a life raft, that's another $1,500. Final words Congratulations! As with electronics, safety gear, and even sails, technology has significantly improved cordage. The Rigging Company gears much of its sales to DIY sailors and is beginning an e-commerce site to cater specifically to handy individuals. With very slippery high tech line it is also possible to pull the knot through itself, and with an extra slippery line such as Yale Light its even possible to pull an eye splice out.. Clean and lubricate them, then refasten them, and remember to mouse them with new galvanized wire and tape over the ends to avoid chafe. If line is properly taken care of, it can last many decades. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. These specific components likewise reinforce the spars against increased loads when wind interacts . Stainless steel needs oxygen to prevent crevice corrosion, so dont overdo it with tape (left); enough to cover the cotter pin will suffice (center). That's just what it is. I can only assume this is due to the risk of rocking the hull off its jackstands. On the other hand, it will be very important to maintain hull health, as even small leaks will lead to condensation and mold, which is horrible for your health and living standard. Cracks are hard to see (use a magnifying glass), and sometimes marks that look like cracks can be left by the machine used to create the swage. On our old boat we had the Port Aft lower shroud fail while sailing. Look for cracks, corrosion and worn clevis pins or shackles, removing any tape and replacing cotter pins and split rings where necessary. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. The average price of used sailboats is $111,000, ranging from $19,000 to $518,000. Another factor in your DIY decision-making process is simple: peace of mind. The annual maintenance cost is $2,000 - $3,000 for most boats, but the actual total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000. But you should think carefully before you go ahead and buy any high tech replacement running rigging. Whether you want to replace aging and questionable rigging, be able to handle a wider range of weather conditions, or add sail trimming upgrades for more speed and better pointing to windward, this ebook will show you . Before you contemplate the task of renewing your standing rigging you need to thoroughly inspect all components at close quarters to find out exactly what needs to be replaced and what items can be safely transferred to the new rig. The latter may indicate two things: one, that its simply surface rust, which you should be able to polish off, or two, that as the wire was being manufactured, a strand might have picked up some contamination during the process and is compromised, which is cause for concern. The diameter of the sheets and halyards will depend on what fits the blocks that you have. The short answer is, lithium batteries perform better and last longer than many lead-acid batteries. Mount the masts. 26' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $1,000 - $2,500. I recently sailed on a boat that had rust around the wire/swage on all the shrouds. Are the chainplates sound? Your sail area will most likely also be larger, which means your sail replacement will be more expensive. There are some question as to whether or not you should replace your turnbuckles along with the wire. Replacing Running Rigging on an Older Sailboat, a bowline or other knot in a high tech line reduces the breaking strength by up to 80%, for jib sheets you must increase the line size to account for the reduced strength more $$$$, an eye splice is required to attach a shackle to a halyard. Sticking to the 10-year rule, Madden says, means that for the most part, any corrosion or failure points will be eliminated with a re-rig. Running Rigging & Cordage to Order . 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. 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. So how often should standing rigging be replaced? For a medium-sized boat (30-50 feet), the cost will be somewhere between $2000 and $4000. For docklines a 27 ft. boat would use 1/2" nylon: 25' bow, 15' stern, and 20' spring. Replacing the mast is uncommon, but if you're unlucky and get demasted, it will need to be fixed. 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+. For instance, Madden says, he recently had a customer whose 46-foot cutter had a rigging failure at six years. We're looking for writers! I have broken more than my share of components in newer boats while a lot less in older boats. First the desired end fitting is chosen (left), and the fitting is slid onto the end of the wire (center). Do you hire a pro or go it alone? Standing rigging supports your boat's mast. The bottom of the top half just slides into the top of the bottom half. Labor total: $1,000 on average 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. A boat spending most of the last 10 years on a trailer with the mast in a cradle has only corrosion to consider. Attach as many of the rigging lines as possible to the masts, booms, and gaffs. How exactly do you determine how much line you need for a given size sailboat? I think the owner needs to replace those but there's a Covid problem. When we brought our Oday 25 home ,I knew judging from the lack of care the previous owner shown the rigging might also be suspect. There are so many variables in the system types of end fittings, types of masts, types of attachment points that each boat will have its own specific requirements that can affect cost. PACESHIP PY26 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com. Boom Vang. If you carry a life-raft you'll need to replace that every 12 years as well. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. I'll also inquire about upgrading to one size up. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your running rigging. On modern boats, chainplates are fitted outboard (right) and covered with a plate that lets water drain. Liveaboards that don't really sail that much have less maintenance to do in one way, and more in another. Outboard starters run from about $100 - $500. The cost to replace standing rigging obviously varies from boat to boat. Use a low stretch Dacron such as Sta-Set-X for halyards. Account. Before long this will create slack in the rig, generating bends and stresses elsewhere. Any line that you have to handle such as jib sheets, halyards and mainsheet should be about half inch (12mm) diameter for a good grip, and jib sheets and mainsheets should be one of the softer feel products. So here are some tips and things to look for so that you can replace your running rigging before it breaks. Its common to choose to fit lighter swaged terminals at the top of a stay or shroud and mechanical ones at the bottom, where swaged terminals are more vulnerable to corrosion. To save you from surprises, here's a full overview of costs you can expect when owning a sailboat. 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? Included are halyards, main sheet, headsail sheets, and topping lift. If you need to replace the mast and boom, prepare to spend anywhere between $15,000 - $25,000. You will most likely also need (or want) to replace toggles and cotter pins, even if you keep the turnbuckles. Whether you are setting up the hardware for a trapeze or trying to create the perfect mast rake before a big race with your tension guage, we at MAURIPRO Sailing will meet your Rigging needs. and about a 200 anchor .line. It requires more careful consideration of condition, usage, and inspection for signs of failure. A good set of rigging is of great importance in order to ensure navigation without causing any damage. It sounds to me that the question is when, not if you will go for new rigging. A Bonnier LLC Company. The average price of a used cruising sailboat is between $10,000 and $100,000. The total maintenance cost for a bluewater cruiser will average around $3,225 per year or $269 per month. Either way, Jimmie Cockerill, co-owner of the Rigging Company in Annapolis, recommends that for a sailboat with wire rigging, the mast should be pulled and all fittings and wire visually inspected every five to six years. It wears with time due to UV exposure, flogging, strain from the wind, and regular use. I used the Sta-Set solid color line to easily identify the lines. [advertisement] Take this opportunity to check out your spars as well. Old turning blocks, padeyes, sheaves and cam cleats as well as genoa tracks and rope clutches are just not capable of handling the loads you can exert using high tech line.

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replacing running rigging on a sailboat