For instance, Madden says, he recently had a customer whose 46-foot cutter had a rigging failure at six years. Sta-Set X is an ideal. If the wire in a stay or shroud has stretched to the point where theres no room for further adjustment, make sure you compensate for this when replacing the wire so that at least one-third of the turnbuckle body is open to accommodate adjustments when the rig is fully tensioned. Deck hardware consists of the bullseyes, tiller, eye straps, cleats, and so on. Let them know any of your concerns before they get started. We are a proud supplier of Yale Cordage. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Theres such a safety margin in rigging. The diameter of the sheets and halyards will depend on what fits the blocks that you have. OK, it isn't cheap, but it can absolutely be done on a budget. . The life span of rigging depends on how heavily a boat has been sailed and on the care taken with tuning. Every five to six years, the mast should be pulled out of the boat so all fittings and wire or rod can be carefully inspected. 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. I have got quotes for sails for my 40' boat and they range from $8k for a jib and a main and I replaced the standing rigging on my boat. 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. 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. 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. Standing rigging supports your boat's mast. LittleSister said: Re-rigging my 27 footer in 2017 cost me about 860 (though I was something of a captive audience, and didn't shop around - presumably both the boatyard and the riggers made money out of it). Tag each line with a sticker noting which line it is. But Cockerill says it quickly becomes evident whether an owner feels comfortable enough to do the work. Copyright 2023 ImproveSailing.com Do you want to earn money to write on our website? 26' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $1,000 - $2,500. Its when the leeward side starts flopping around that youre asking for trouble., Stainless steel has a finite number of cycles essentially, movements, whether fore and aft or side to side. If you want a life raft, that's another $1,500. You want a reliable boat, which means you'll fix anything that needs fixing immediately. For all remaining running rigging, you can use polyester double-braid rope. There are some question as to whether or not you should replace your turnbuckles along with the wire. A standard 15HP or 20HP outboard gas engine will cost you about $5,000 - $6,000 and needs replacing every 20 years or so. Yes, doing it yourself will theoretically save money. Your boat will need bottom paint roughly every 2 years (could be longer, but to be safe, let's keep it at two). PACESHIP PY26 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com. Gas engines run for about 1,500 hours, diesel engines run for 5,000. For a small boat (under 30 feet), you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2000 for standing rigging replacement. 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. Standing rigging are the cables that support the mast. By taking on the labor yourself, you'll probably save as much as $2,000 on the re-rigging cost, he says. 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. Re-rigging To re-mouse the halyards, flake out the halyard, attach the working end to the mousing line that comes from the masthead, and check they are secure, before pulling back through. Clean and lubricate them, then refasten them, and remember to mouse them with new galvanized wire and tape over the ends to avoid chafe. Usually the owner's manual gives you the specifications of all the running and standing rigging. If you live on a boat in a location where it falls below freezing temperature (good luck!). SKIRMISH was a 32-footer carrying an Aboriginal motif on her bows, recalling Skirmish Point, where Flinders landed and encountered the local Aboriginal community. Don't forget that this site will also replace your rigging. 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. I'm on Lake Michigan. Saltwater is a lot more corrosive, and the stress on your rigging and sails will be higher. That said, some sailors prefer wire over rod for a number of reasons. 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. The customer had had the boat re-rigged, and during a trip to the BVI, the new wire stretched. My boat has been in fresh water all its life. 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? We're the first and last stop for parts and accessories. I can only assume this is due to the risk of rocking the hull off its jackstands. Most insurance companies reckon you should replace your standing rigging about every 10 years. For an idea of the costs involved to replace your standing rigging, here are some examples of sets of rigging we have made for customers in the past 12 months (prices as of Sept 2022). Keep the tension equal on each side by counting the turns on each turnbuckle. I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content. The easiest way to prevent line from chafing all the way through is to simply look at your line. Plus, this line won't harden with age. Learn all about the dangers of failing to winterize here. This was rod rigging and increased the price quite a bit. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. Contact us All this small hardware needs to be replaced every 20-30 years and will amount to about $1,500. Still a lot of people single braid nylon for docklines, its a little more flexible. I use a 3D model and some diagrams. The November 1969 Modern Boating magazine . For my 41 feet sloop, I did most of the installation myself and paid approximately $4700 for the entire rig replacement. Place the top of the sail in the mast track and pull on the halyard. 0 www.rigbos.com. Three strand is referable and less expensive than braid for dock and anchor lines also a lot easier to splice. Put together both the pieces of your mast. The deciding factor of how much will this cost exactly is whether you can simply bolt the new engine in or whether you have to adjust all other parts, including shaft logs, exhausts, electrics, and so on. 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. Start at the bottom, working your way up from the lowers, to the cap shrouds and finally the stays. 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. The average price of a used cruising sailboat is between $10,000 and $100,000. It requires more careful consideration of condition, usage, and inspection for signs of failure. Overall condition is good with some kinks here and there. I dont want be a scaremonger, but standing rigging has so many possible failure points that regular inspections should really be part of every pre-cruise integrity check. One part of sailboats and yachts that must be inspected, maintained, or even replaced when necessary is the standing rigging. 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. On this site for example someone posted the specs for a Catalina 27 and they were bang on and agreed fully with the specs I got from the Catalina owners association. For dry storage, part of the process can be to shrink wrap your boat. We replaced the line AND the sheave box to ensure that the new halyard wont chafe. It rolls the end fitting through two opposing dies and compresses the fitting on the wire so tightly that it cant pull out. Not all maintenance is as important. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Fisheries Supply is your premier supplier of sailing and rigging rope from top brands like Samson, Marlow, Robline and New England Rope. The total maintenance cost varies a lot, depending on the following factors: Still, we want a general feel of what to expect. The next area deserving close scrutiny is the spreaders. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! At least once a year, at the beginning or end of the sailing season, you should visually inspect all of your running rigging and look for signs of wear. Do you hire a pro or go it alone? Read more on the cost of antifouling your boat. These products sell from $1.00 to $2.50 per foot. JavaScript is disabled. USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly. Likewise, if you already have wire with fittings that accommodate your boat and mast, stick with wire. Let's go over each type and break down which costs to expect exactly. Your sail area will most likely also be larger, which means your sail replacement will be more expensive. If you suspect a possible crack, try running some dye over itthe crack will become much more obvious that way. The theory is that it can take 10 to 15 years of cycling, but this continual motion when its unloaded is what fatigues the wire, Madden says. Check out my guide on standing rigging here! Ive had some snafus out there to be sure, and they loom large when theyre read more, When One Wrong Makes a Right Everybody knows youre not supposed to sail up the Pacific Coast! 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. When rigging the sails of a sailboat, it is important to properly prepare the boat. Click here for a full walkthrough with diagrams. SKIRMISH was built for Clarence Noble in Brisbane. Look for cracks, corrosion and worn clevis pins or shackles, removing any tape and replacing cotter pins and split rings where necessary. The total maintenance cost on a tight budget can get as low as $275 per year, or $23 per month. For all of these reasons, most riggers agree that when your sailboats standing rigging approaches 15 years old, its a good time to consider replacing it. This line is double braided polyester, so the cover is responsible for carrying up to 30% of the load. I used the Sta-Set solid color line to easily identify the lines. You could be setting yourself up for some serious problems, as well a spending a lot of unnecessary money into the bargain. Every sailboat has an Out Haul and a Down Haul. The cost of replacing the standing rigging is, on average, $4,000 every 10 years. 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. Read more on the lifetime expectancy of marine diesels here. Why do you want to suddenly replace all your running rigging? With the forestay removed, take the opportunity to fully service your headsail furling gear as well. Running rigging The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. Copyright 2023 Cruising World. A swaged fitting is a terminus thats attached using a machine called a swager. Keep your sailboats mast securely in place by carefully inspecting all of your spars components and replacing parts before you have a breakdown. Assuming you have decided to replace the rigging wire as well as a number of other components, the first decision is whether to do it with the mast up or down. A detailed rig check takes no more than two hours or so to completeabout as long as it takes to provision the boat with a weeks food suppliesonly the result of not doing it can be a good deal more drastic! For a 26' sailboat, that's just 500 bucks. Splices should be made by a professional, high tech line is very difficult to cut. With all of these factors in mind, what can you expect to pay for standing rigging replacement? Mechanical fittings can be applied using a few common hand tools by the mechanically handy DIY sailor, which is one reason theyre popular. We're looking for writers! The following resources contain do-it-yourself information on upgrading and maintenance. Some of these might not apply to your situation. Replacing the mast is uncommon, but if you're unlucky and get demasted, it will need to be fixed. The final price depends on two things - what type of engine you have, and how hard it is to get to the starter. Account. Inboard engine (and generator) starters cost from $40 - over $1,000 depending on the engine. Its best to slacken them off, giving them a few turns each way and removing any clevis pins for close inspection before re-tensioning the shroud or stay and then locking it off with new split rings or cotter pins. The cost to replace standing rigging obviously varies from boat to boat. Similarly, its easier to find usable replacement parts far from busy ports. Although anyone can walk into a local chandlery and buy wire, that doesnt mean the wire is of the highest quality. It is very flexible and easy to handle, and is still the line of choice for most applications on cruisers and club racers. Modelers Central guide you through the importance it adds to the beauty of your finished model. Sampson Ropes make a double braid dacron called XLS, New England Ropes make a similar product called Sta-Set and Yale Ropes product is called Vizzion. All standing rigging, whether rod or wire, has to end in a fitting that attaches to the deck and mast. Most recent receipt was for lower stays 10 years ago. I would think at the first notice of a few broken strands in more than two of the wires. [advertisement] Take this opportunity to check out your spars as well. For each diameter of rigging wire your boat requires drill a hole that size near the corner of the block. Lifejackets have to be replaced every 10 years. The two primary manufacturers of mechanical fittings presently are Sta-Lok and Petersen Stainless, which produces Hi-MOD. How exactly do you determine how much line you need for a given size sailboat? Do disconnect them and inspect them very carefully for cracks on a well-lit workbench. You should be able to get the specs off the internet. Marlow Ropes in the UK produce Marlowbraid. we have provided rigging services and have specialized in running rigging. The Netherlands Add winches and UV rays and the wear and tear can be significant so it's important to use a quality line. Stainless steel needs oxygen to prevent crevice corrosion, so dont overdo it with tape (left); enough to cover the cotter pin will suffice (center). This is the furling line for an in-mast furler. Proper size and material components for the rig are further consideration. You mean all together don't you? 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. It sounds to me that the question is when, not if you will go for new rigging. 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. Overall, this halyard looked relatively new compared to some of the other lines on this boat, and this sheave probably caused the demise of the previous halyard. Exhausted In Singapore, For All the Wrong Reasons, Cruising World Takes Multiple Honors in Annual Writing and Photography Contest. To avoid excessive wear, make sure your halyard sheaves are the proper type for whatever line you select. Strong, durable lines are essential for controlling the sails on your boat without risking your own safety, or that of the sails. Most of my clients say to me without any prompting, This is one area I feel should be done by a professional, Madden says. 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. Chafe occurs when line rubs against a sharp or rough surface. You can see that the chafe is only occurring on one side of the line, the side that comes in contact with the sheave. Replacing Running Rigging on an Older Sailboat If you're thinking of buying a used sailboat it's probable that your final selection will be a boat that is a few years old - and the halyards, mainsheet, backstay, jibsheets and other running rigging will probably look a little old, dirty and frayed. You could consider buying a LED electric distress light instead, which will last you a lifetime. In most cases, you'll only have to replace your running rigging every 5-10 years, but it will cost you $5,000 on average. In the past, long-distance cruisers typically chose wire rigging with mechanical fittings for all of these reasons. Many boat owners are reluctant to replace their running rigging, and for good reason, it can be expensive! (This is true anywhere there are stainless fittings by the way, so be wary of putting too much tape or tight-fitting covers on them.). The Down Haul consists of a line attached to the mast end of the boom. Bluey Williams's yard was a cowshed in Lawnton near the North Pine River, on the northern side of Brisbane and inland from Redcliffe. A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. Specific Gravity is 1.38, so it does not float. Would you replace this? Privacy Policy, Improve Sailing helps you to make your sailing dream actionable, by writing in-depth articles on practical questions. Attach as many of the rigging lines as possible to the masts, booms, and gaffs. Depending on the answers to those questions and others, a professionally done re-rig for a 40-footer could be closer to $6,000 or more. This way you can cut the wire roughly to length and have a rigger swage the tops, fit them in place yourself and terminate the lower ends to suit. I ended up just replacing all of the standing rigging through rigginonly.com in Fairhaven Ma. Running the halyards Both the Jib and Main halyards are purple , high-load, Marlow Spectra line. This is some excellent information! Good quality cruising sails will need to be replaced every 10 years or so. FWIW, I just replaced all my running rigging on my 30' with 3/8" Sta-Set for thr halyards and 3/8" XLE for topping lift and downhaul, the halyard were wire-rope but now all rope. As you work your way down the mast, take a glance at the mainsail track to see if its in good condition and well secured. Finally, rod rigging requires a particular type of terminus called a cold head that can be fabricated only with a purpose-built machine, which only a rigging shop will have. The running rigging consists of the halyards, sheets . Did you know that rope halyards are easier to handle and significantly lighter than wire halyards. It would help if we knew what your boat was! Wendy Mitman Clarke is currently between passages. They can provide a higher percentage of nominal capacity than lead-acid batteries, without shortening their life. Let's start by getting a good overview of the different maintenance costs. I recently sailed on a boat that had rust around the wire/swage on all the shrouds. I'm the owner of ImproveSailing. Seems like a lot for a 40' boat. 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 . The warm trade winds in the West Indies were calling; time to go sailing. You can see the difference between the old line on the right and the new line on the left. Wire rigging is generally less expensive and easier to handle. Let me explain. From canvas and cushions to rigging and hardware by top suppliers like Lewmar, Schaefer, Gray, Ronstan, and more. The condition of this halyard is likely due to UV degradation. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your running rigging. When we talk about sailboat rigging, we mean all the wires, ropes and lines that support the rig and control the sails. Did you find the answer to your specific question? Liveaboards that don't really sail that much have less maintenance to do in one way, and more in another. All you need is two blocks (pulley attachments) attached forward on both sides, ideally near the toerail, and enough line to run from the boom attachment up to the blocks on each side and then back to the cockpit. Run the remaining standing rigging. Gas engine will last a lot less long than diesels. The mechanical terminals most commonly used by DIY riggers are Sta-Lok and Norseman terminals. Check your spreaders, chainplates and turnbuckles for cracking, fatigue, missing cotter pins/rings, etc. Hardwood would be best but we used epoxied plywood and it was adequate. Madden says that cost isnt linear, though; as you go up in size (a bigger boat needs heavier wire and larger fittings), youll spend more. All rod rigging terminates in a cold head, which accommodates the end fitting or is encapsulated by the end fitting. A boat in the water is in constant motion and the rigging experiences constant micro shock loads even when sitting in the slip. 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. This was seen on a brand new boat at the 2020 Seattle Boat Show. Also, you'll have plenty of time doing odd jobs yourself, since you'll be living on the boat. Their solidworks simulations revealed the rigging was on the lighter side. As you can see, most of these costs are longterm recurring maintenance costs. The simple answer is to measure it. Replacing the running rigging on your sailboat seems like it should be fairly simple, and a decade or two ago, it was. It's a really helpful post (with a formula) if you want to know what to expect. Most engines will last you about 20 years, depending on the amount of use and whether you use it properly. 9034 GD Marsum For docklines a 27 ft. boat would use 1/2" nylon: 25' bow, 15' stern, and 20' spring. The new Dufour 37 slots in just above the 32-foot baby of the family, and it replaces the previous Dufour 360 from three years ago. A Bonnier LLC Company. There is minor chafe on all sides of the line and along the entire length. The golden rule has always been never to work on a rig with the boat out of the water. Most people need 2 risers + 2 exhaust manifolds. It does not all wear out at the same rate. How much does a used sail cost? The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. The Estimated Costs of Replacing a Jibs and Genoas Sails for boats measuring 42' to 50' can cost around $5,500-$9,000 Sails for boats measuring 36' to 42' can cost around $4,000-$7,000 Sails for boats measuring 32' to 36' can cost around $3,000-$5,000 Sails for boats measuring 24' to 32' can cost around $2,500-$4,000 One of the most common areas of rig failure is where the shrouds terminateboth at the mast tang or socket fitting and the wire terminal, toggle or T-ball. Have a feel for any rough or sharp edges, especially cotter pin ends that might chafe lines or sails. That's just what it is. This was most likely caused by something sharp and pointy that poked through the cover and caught on the core. Although the hull actually read more, It was March, and Id made it through another Maine winter. Small dents in either the mast or the boom are often hotspots for failure, as they weaken the form of the spar. Prices for new boats typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. Use nylon 3-Strand for anchor, dock, mooring and tow lines or polyester 3-strand for running rigging on traditional cruising boats. Aside from the relative cost differences between rod and wire (rod is more expensive), what also makes a switch pricey is having to significantly modify the mast to accept the different rigging. There is no hard and fast rule for "when" to replace your running rigging. A forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. The former need careful scrutiny and often sustain damage from misalignment. Preparing The Boat For Rigging. Some boaters don't shrink wrap in the winter because of it. Deep cycle batteries (which are best for household functionality) need replacing every 4-6 years and will cost roughly $600. Another factor in your DIY decision-making process is simple: peace of mind. Listing Results for Shore Support & Services, Sailing & Rigging and ENG1 Medical Certificate in Marans, Levallois Perret and Cap D'Agde But you should think carefully before you go ahead and buy any high tech replacement running rigging. Depending on the spreader joint, cap shrouds can sometimes prove troublesome as well, often requiring the spreaders to be disconnected at their roots. Run the shrouds and attach them to the deadeyes on the hull. The total maintenance cost for a liveaboard will average around $1,550 per year or $129 per month. This is a perfect example to illustrate why a thorough, yearly inspection of running rigging is important. Also, there are a lot of costs you can save on substantially if you do simple maintenance yourself or have a simple boat.