However, larger boats of 30 feet and up will cost considerably more. The mast stayed up, but it sounded like a gun shot and was scary as hell. Now is a good time to install all new cotter pins or rings to leave no doubt as to the integrity of your connections. My boat has been in fresh water all its life. 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). Proper size and material components for the rig are further consideration. Some have an extra light sheet for real light winds so the sheet doesnt weigh the jib down. What is the average sailboat maintenance cost? So you don't want them on there. Run the shrouds and attach them to the deadeyes on the hull. For docklines a 27 ft. boat would use 1/2" nylon: 25' bow, 15' stern, and 20' spring. Flares have to be replaced every 42 months. For a medium-sized boat (30-50 feet), the cost will be somewhere between $2000 and $4000. Hello improvesailing.com webmaster, You always provide useful information. 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. Turns out that owning a boat is pretty affordable. When youre happy everything is in place, its time to tune your rig. And although rod rigging may be able to last longer than wire, it too needs to be serviced every five to six years to get the most life out of it. Kinks in wire is like chafe on a line. 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. Now is a good time to give it a quick spray with some track lubricant as you descend. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. A swaged fitting is a terminus thats attached using a machine called a swager. My belief is that you should be replacing your sailboats standing rigging every 10 to 15 years. But this time frame also is variable, depending on the boats purpose and use. Contact us To the best of my knowledge it hasn't had a trailer until last year so the mast was up through the winter. 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 It's also called antifouling paint because it helps to protect your hull from weeds, barnacles, and so on. Sun wear and constant use will wear down the sails and rigging even more. and about a 200' " anchor .line. If your boat is in a full cradle, however, this shouldnt be an issue. 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. 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). Have a feel for any rough or sharp edges, especially cotter pin ends that might chafe lines or sails. NEW FLAT SCREEN 36" TV IN THE V-BERTH - 2019 Replace Running Rigging, Lifelines and Engine Repairs 3/2018. If you don't have that you may be able to find it on line or on line at your boat class owners' association. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. How the rigging has been tuned is also part of a boats story. Modelers Central guide you through the importance it adds to the beauty of your finished model. You can't eliminate all risk on a sailboat and how to make that call will be different bassed on an individual's risk tollerance. On this page you will find both rigging hardware and rigging tools. Inspect any integral reefing sheaves or bearing wear or UV degradation. 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. SailboatOwners.com, 605 NW 53rd Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32609 For sheets, if you're happy with the length take the old ones off determine the gauge and and match them up. Swaging is a strong and durable way to attach end fittings to wire rigging. Prices for new boats typically range from $100,000 to $500,000. Plus, this line won't harden with age. 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. With inboard engines, this is not something you can easily do yourself - it isn't just unscrewing a motor and screwing a new one in. 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. 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. Regardless of what fittings you currently have the choice for multi-stranded wire rigging is between swaged terminals or mechanical fittings. The warm trade winds in the West Indies were calling; time to go sailing. Read more on the average cost to replace a boat starter here. 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? The two primary manufacturers of mechanical fittings presently are Sta-Lok and Petersen Stainless, which produces Hi-MOD. These specific components likewise reinforce the spars against increased loads when wind interacts . 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. USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Three strand is referable and less expensive than braid for dock and anchor lines also a lot easier to splice. The total maintenance cost varies a lot, depending on the following factors: Still, we want a general feel of what to expect. The interval of longterm maintenance will increase dramatically in these conditions. Theres no real way of measuring that. That cost me $10k. For instance, the Rigging Company makes a spare-stay kit that can accommodate either wire or rod rigging repairs, Cockerill says. Standing rigging supports your boat's mast. 0 www.rigbos.com. I'll also inquire about upgrading to one size up. Overall condition is good with some kinks here and there. Youll need about 500 feet for an average 30 footer. But a newly cracked sheave or an exposed cotter pin can quickly shred a line that otherwise would have lasted much longer. Your costs will range from a couple of hundred dollars for a small outboard up to over a thousand for a large or difficult to reach inboard. Any requirement to re-tune the rig more often than that would point to wires been stretched beyond their tensile strength minimums. The total maintenance cost for a small daytripper will average around $1,600 per year or $133 per month. Marine-suitable stainless wire is called 316 grade, but even that doesnt mean youre necessarily getting high-quality wire. The wire itself rarely fails midway along a shroud, so this makes good sense. 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. Running rigging The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. They also would carry a piece of wire as long as the longest stay on the boat coiled and stowed, which undeniably was sometimes easier said than done as well as spare end fittings and the tools needed to replace a broken shroud or stay. You must log in or register to reply here. The worst-case scenario, of course, is that the chainplates pull right out of the deck, with catastrophic consequences. 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. JavaScript is disabled. 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. That history will affect what kind of life you get out of your standing rigging. Some insurance companies, he says, will require a re-rig if youre purchasing a used boat that has standing rigging older than 15 years. In this article, we'll break down the average prices of different sailboats by type, age, condition, and size. NEW FLAT SCREEN 43' TV IN THE SALON - 2019. Theres such a safety margin in rigging. Look for cracks, corrosion and worn clevis pins or shackles, removing any tape and replacing cotter pins and split rings where necessary. We only sell guaranteed-content, guaranteed-process wire, Herman says. Next check the back and forestay fittings where they connect to the mast, ensuring any clevis pins are straight and secure. The benefits of rod are less stretch, less weight, less windage, and arguably longer life than wire, because theres less possibility for corrosion of the rod itself. The customer had had the boat re-rigged, and during a trip to the BVI, the new wire stretched. All rod rigging terminates in a cold head, which accommodates the end fitting or is encapsulated by the end fitting. There is no hard and fast rule for when to replace your running rigging. Replacement of the rigging components is more frequent and based on inspection. This way you wont risk deforming the mast or pulling a fitting out of line. Cleat the halyard and pull it to the tape mark on one side . If you live on a boat in a location where it falls below freezing temperature (good luck!). It has a synthetic stay with an eye splice, a toolless turnbuckle (the Handy Lock, made by C. Sherman Johnson), quick-release fast pins with an attached lanyard, several high-strength Dyneema loops, and even a heavy-duty zip tie to fish loops in and out of holes in a mast. 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. First, check for cracks (usually longitudinal), particularly if the terminal looks misshapen or the stay is misaligned in any way. Customize your boat, or put it back in its original factory condition with parts and gear from MacgregorOwners.com. Sasker van Heringawei 16E There are multiple combinations and variations: For instance, if your mast has double tangs, most likely the end fitting will be an eye although it can be a marine eye or an aircraft eye, which differ primarily in shape. Having to hire a rigger to climb your mast to run a new halyard after the old one breaks. A running manoeuvre has a free end that can be acted upon. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. If you replace the rigging preventively, you should never experience the failure I did. Tips on leading lines aft to the cockpit for single-handed sailing; Running rigging color selection, line storage, and more! 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. One part of sailboats and yachts that must be inspected, maintained, or even replaced when necessary is the standing rigging. A dormant maneuver has both ends fixed at each end. Do you hire a pro or go it alone? I actually just replaced the outer turnbuckles. we have provided rigging services and have specialized in running rigging. 26' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $1,000 - $2,500. There are some question as to whether or not you should replace your turnbuckles along with the wire. Overall condition is good with some kinks here and there. This small cruiser is well built, easy to handle and relatively economical to maintain. Your first thought may be to replace this old stuff with some of the bright new high tech line you can find in your local chandlery. There are also a few spots where the chafe is more serious. On a sailboat, a distinction is made between running rigging and standing rigging. The running rigging consists of all the lines, sheets, and so on that is used to haul and operate the sails. By taking on the labor yourself, youll probably save as much as $2,000 on the re-rigging cost, he says. We're the first and last stop for parts and accessories. If you go DIY, you will be limited to mechanical end fittings unless you hire a rigger to swage your end fittings. 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. Keep the tension equal on each side by counting the turns on each turnbuckle. Check your spreaders, chainplates and turnbuckles for cracking, fatigue, missing cotter pins/rings, etc. Sailors' hands are busy with the running rigging most on a sailboat. But Marissa and Chris Neely on Avocet saw a weather window and jumped, making their first big offshore passage the wrong way from Santa Barbara to San Francisco and loving itmostly. Here's the average cost to shrink wrap a boat. This was most likely caused by something sharp and pointy that poked through the cover and caught on the core. But a newly cracked sheave or an exposed cotter pin can quickly shred a line that otherwise would have lasted much longer. Your subscription could not be saved. It wears with time due to UV exposure, flogging, strain from the wind, and regular use. 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. Account. I can only assume this is due to the risk of rocking the hull off its jackstands. This line is double braided polyester, so the cover is responsible for carrying up to 30% of the load. Also, you'll have plenty of time doing odd jobs yourself, since you'll be living on the boat. 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. 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. 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. [1] ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. Most insurance companies reckon you should replace your standing rigging about every 10 years. The November 1969 Modern Boating magazine . Clean and lubricate them, then refasten them, and remember to mouse them with new galvanized wire and tape over the ends to avoid chafe. A little less than the semi-circular groove on the sheave (or pulley).Generally its not strength issue for diameter but rather thick enough to be easily handled. Before long this will create slack in the rig, generating bends and stresses elsewhere. Now, this is expensive, and it is hard on the environment. Theres no reason good quality rigging shouldnt last up to 20 years or so if it is well maintained and any problems that arise are sorted right away. 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. Winter storms and ice can damage the hull and mast as well. This is a very serious problem for the average sailor. Steps. Chafe occurs when line rubs against a sharp or rough surface. 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. 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. 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. Sailboat Running Rigging You don't want to have faulty sailboat running rigging. Run the remaining standing rigging. OK, it isn't cheap, but it can absolutely be done on a budget. Labor total: $1,000 on average I'll pull the standing rigging and as much hardware as reasonably possible (tangs, bolts, pins, turnbuckles, etc) and drop it off to a local rigger. Add winches and UV rays and the wear and tear can be significant so it's important to use a quality line. Why do you want to suddenly replace all your running rigging? . Most sailors choose to leave this to a professional rigger, but theres no reason why you shouldnt attempt it yourself if you know the best way to go about it. A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. Generally its much better to stay with the more traditional line for the running rigging of older boats. If you carry a life-raft you'll need to replace that every 12 years as well. I'm the owner of ImproveSailing. Cleat the jib off on the port side of the mast and the main on the starboard. Dear improvesailing.com webmaster, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures. If you dont have that you may be able to find it on line or on line at your boat class owners association. Too narrow for equivalent ropeshould be 10% wider than the diameter of the rope. Chafe usually happens gradually over long periods of time and it is only a serious problem when it goes unnoticed. There is no hard and fast rule for "when" to replace your running rigging. It's the best way to protect your boat in wintertime, period. Adhering to the minimum safety requirements shouldn't cost you more than 150 - 250 dollars every 5 years. 2. Then we head over to Bacon Sails and Marine Supplies for a tu. Personally, Im in favor of it, but if you replace the standing rigging frequentlyevery 10 years, saythen it might not be necessary. If you're hoisting the sail on land, make sure the bow of the boat is pointing towards the wind. With the forestay removed, take the opportunity to fully service your headsail furling gear as well. In the US, Sampson, New England Ropes and Yale all make a double braid dacron line very suitable for almost all the running rigging on an older sailboat. Colligo Dux: A relative newcomer to sailboat rigging, Colligo Dux is pre-stretched and heat-treated Dyneema. Die testing wont pick it up, and its rare that a wire will give you warning before breaking.. 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. Lastly, check your boom, starting with the gooseneck, mainsheet and vang fittings, where huge forces are applied when the rig is under load. 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! Do this by placing a wrap of tape 3 up from the upper chainplate pin hole on each upper shroud. Thus the standing rigging is made up of all the cables and . A Bonnier LLC Company. 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. Skilled marine technicians charge from $75 - $150 per hour. When inspecting your rig you should also make an inventory of all its parts and their dimensions. For my 41 feet sloop, I did most of the installation myself and paid approximately $4700 for the entire rig replacement. What would be the maintenance cost if you were on a tight budget? Most engines will last you about 20 years, depending on the amount of use and whether you use it properly. Rig inspections, rig replacement and rig upgrades is how we can help. Failing to winterize it will increase your maintenance cost over time, as the engine wears out more quickly, and your plumbing and equipment will fall apart. and about a 200 anchor .line. The first decision is whether to tackle the job with the mast up or down. Hi, I'm Shawn, and when I was 2 years old, I was sailing (with my parents) on the English Channel during a proper storm (and by proper I mean something along the lines of force 10).