Rigging

Our rigging department is here to serve all your rigging needs. In the event you need to unstep or step your mast, we will oversee the entire process - safety being a major priority. With thorough attention to detail, the rigger, the rigger's assistant and the travellift operator will provide the professional expertise you have come to expect.

RIGGING CHECKLIST

Listed below are some questions that will help you determine if your standing rigging is sound and in good condition:

Are chainplates aligned with the turnbuckles, stays, and shrouds?
Are there any signs of leaking around chainplates?
Are terminal fittings (swage fittings, Sta-Lok, Norseman, etc.) free of cracks, bends, and rust?
Are turnbuckles sufficiently lubricated so that they turn freely?
Are turnbuckle barrels secured to the threads, either with rings, cotter pins, or by tightening locknuts?
Is the standing rigging free of broken strands of wire?
Is the mast straight, without being cocked to either side or bowed in the middle?
If the mast is stepped on deck, is it supported properly down below?
Are there any signs of galvanic corrosion at the base of the mast or where dissimilar metal fittings (winches, cleats, etc.) are attached to the mast? (On a painted aluminum mast, corrosion is indicated by bubbles around the fittings. On an unpainted mast, corrosion is indicated by heavy concentrations of white powder (some powder is acceptable) and pockmarks around fittings.)
Are any rivets or screws missing from sail tracks or other fittings?
Do welds on the mast and boom appear to be rusted? Do spreaders bisect the shrouds at equal angles?
Are spreader ends secured to the shroud?
Are spreader ends protected, either with tape or with a rubber boot?
Are all cotter pins taped?
Do "T" terminals show any indication of stress?
Are halyard fittings, especially the sheaves, crushed, split, or badly worn?
Are masthead mounts for wind indicators and radio antennas tight? Are problems with the forestay fittings (cracks, bends, and rust) being hidden by the roller furling gear?

GUIDELINES FOR PREPPING A MAST FOR UNSTEPPING

Unstepping and inspecting masts is a job that most sailors are qualified to do. Doing the work yourself will familiarize you with the details of your rig. This knowledge can be valuable to you, especially if something malfunctions at sea.
Our charges for stepping and unstepping are based on travel lift time and labor assistance. For this operation to go smoothly, the key word is preparation.
The following procedures will prevent surprises and overtime charges. Please give yourself enough time before your appointment to be fully prepared.

1. Remove all sails from the mast, including head sails on roller furlers.

2. Remove all cotter pins from the turnbuckles (not the ones on the clevises) and be sure the turnbuckles turn freely. If necessary, soak them with WD to loosen them up.

3. DO NOT disconnect any standing rigging. Loosen only.

4. Disconnect the boom at the gooseneck. Disconnect the topping lift, boom vang and anything else that connect the boom to the mast.

5. Be prepared to deal with mast wiring. If you have plugs on all your wiring, the removal will be easy. If not, have your cutters handy.

6. If your mast is keel stepped, loosen the wedges at the partners. If anything is attached to the mast below decks, be sure it will pass through the deck opening or remove it.

7. If your mast is secured to the mast step with a hinge pin or bolt, be sure it is not frozen up. If the mast is severely corroded at the step, soak it with WD-40.

You are now ready for your appointment. The hoist operator will tell you to enter the haulout slip bow first or stern first.

When necessary, dock calls are available and you are welcome to bring your vessel to our slip for rigging repairs that do not require an unstep.

While your vessel is at the boatyard for other repairs, we can work on the rigging simultaneously. We have a large area in the yard that is specifically dedicated to mast and boom repair or refinishing. If you like, you can do the work yourself for a nominal mast layday fee. We also have long term mast storage available.

Our chandlery has a large selection 316 stainless steel cable and fittings to be used when replaceing your standing rigging. We also have a large selection of high quality rope with which your running rigging can be renewed.

Whatever your rigging needs are, we have the skill and experience you are looking for. Whether it be a swage, a new set of lifelines, or a complete re-rig, we are here to help.

Our 90 ton hydraulic press for swaging fittings!

Please call us to set up an appointment or discuss your rigging needs. (805) 985-1818.