This halyard has minor chafe right now, but the chafe is acute and has an identifiable source. Replacing the mast is uncommon, but if you're unlucky and get demasted, it will need to be fixed. A professional needs roughly 8 hours to get the job done. If you don't have that you may be able to find it on line or on line at your boat class owners' association. If you do the work yourself, it's more something like $1,000 - $1,500. Look for cracks, corrosion and worn clevis pins or shackles, removing any tape and replacing cotter pins and split rings where necessary. The Rigging Company gears much of its sales to DIY sailors and is beginning an e-commerce site to cater specifically to handy individuals. Generally, end fittings fall into a few classes: studs, eyes, forks and hooks, each of which comes in a dizzying array of sizes and configurations. Ensure swivels are working and remove any shackles. This is a very serious problem for the average sailor. 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). Masthead sloop, single spreader, 2 cap shrouds, 4 lowers, r/r forestay, single backstay. The cost of replacing the standing rigging is, on average, $4,000 every 10 years. Keep the tension equal on each side by counting the turns on each turnbuckle. 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. On our old boat we had the Port Aft lower shroud fail while sailing. You can take a masthead halyard from side to side to ensure that the masthead is on center. It is very flexible and easy to handle, and is still the line of choice for most applications on cruisers and club racers. Few places on the planet have such a devoted, diverse, and downright joyful yacht racing season as the island read more, Ive never laughed so hard as I have on some of my charters, but its typically only funny after the fact. While its often difficult to know whether, say, a swaged terminal is in good condition, there are a few common signs of possible failure to look for. The average annual maintenance cost of sailboats is between $2,000 - $3,000. WE SHIP WORLDWIDE: More Info. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. Do you hire a pro or go it alone? Gas engines run for about 1,500 hours, diesel engines run for 5,000. Send messengers up mast for in-mast rigging - 3/2018 Its one of the most important features on a sailboat, but many owners put standing rigging at the back of their minds when it comes time to do their pre-season safety checks. Attach as many of the rigging lines as possible to the masts, booms, and gaffs. Below, I'll go over four different situations and explain what type of maintenance you'll most likely will and won't do, and what the price tag is for each situation. Cruising World may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. It will always be a judgment call. What would be the maintenance cost if you were on a tight budget? Thus the standing rigging is made up of all the cables and . Keep your sailboats mast securely in place by carefully inspecting all of your spars components and replacing parts before you have a breakdown. I'm the owner of ImproveSailing. Deck hardware consists of the bullseyes, tiller, eye straps, cleats, and so on. 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. It rolls the end fitting through two opposing dies and compresses the fitting on the wire so tightly that it cant pull out. Swaging must be professionally done, and the result is extremely strong and generally has a long life. With all of these factors in mind, what can you expect to pay for standing rigging replacement? Customize your boat, or put it back in its original factory condition with parts and gear from MacgregorOwners.com. Standing rigging supports your boat's mast. 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). The diameter of the sheets and halyards will depend on what fits the blocks that you have. 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. 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. Start by digging out the bosuns chair and finding a trusted (and hopefully fit) buddy to help you. The easiest place to work on your rig is on the ground. Your mainsheet probably sees more use than your spinnaker halyard.Our spinnaker halyards- on a boat that races frequently- are about 18 years old, and do not need replacing. 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 . Then theres just age, and this factor as a reason to re-rig is more subject to a boats history than anything else. Start at the bottom, working your way up from the lowers, to the cap shrouds and finally the stays. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more! The November 1969 Modern Boating magazine . Tensioning them will be done later in the rigging sequence. If your running rigging has seen better days, now might be the time to replace it. If you look closely at the line right before it wraps around behind the spindle, youll see that it is starting to chafe because there is not a fair lead for the line running into the slot. The mechanical terminals most commonly used by DIY riggers are Sta-Lok and Norseman terminals. Just a FYI. To save you from surprises, here's a full overview of costs you can expect when owning a sailboat. For my 41 feet sloop, I did most of the installation myself and paid approximately $4700 for the entire rig replacement. I use a 3D model and some diagrams. I'll agree that most of the kinks were created during stepping or prepping for storage. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The Netherlands Included in every new DragonFlight 95 v2 kit : v2 DF95 Rigging Instructions. Winterization is an often-overlooked cost, but it can be one of the largest expenses each year. Check the deck around the chainplates and mast for cracking and delamination. To differentiate the frame from the current, remember that the current is mobile (it runs). Here's a full overview of all the recurring maintenance from most to least frequent. Theres no real way of measuring that. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. 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. This is some excellent information! The cost of replacing the standing rigging will vary greatly depending on the size of your boat and the location you get the job done. Since each one is 34' and then add another 6-10 to be safe? Sometimes they let you go longer if you have the rig professionally inspected, particularly if you have an electronic check carried out on the terminals and other crucial fittings. You can see that the chafe is only occurring on one side of the line, the side that comes in contact with the sheave. For instance, the Rigging Company makes a spare-stay kit that can accommodate either wire or rod rigging repairs, Cockerill says. Remove the clevis pins at each end if you haven't already, replace the old cable with the new cable, and reinstall the clevis pins. However, what you'll actually pay really depends on the type of boat you have and what you do with it. We're looking for writers! 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. If you want a life raft, that's another $1,500. 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 If you live on a boat in a location where it falls below freezing temperature (good luck!). [1] The interval of longterm maintenance will increase dramatically in these conditions. Most racers that use stripped cover halyards are diligent about inspecting these lines and some even replace them every season. But a newly cracked sheave or an exposed cotter pin can quickly shred a line that otherwise would have lasted much longer. 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. Have a feel for any rough or sharp edges, especially cotter pin ends that might chafe lines or sails. The reason it is a scheduled item is that a visual inspection prolly won't detect defects. There is minor chafe on all sides of the line and along the entire length. This number is reached by assuming that the average cost for materials is around $1,500, 32 hours to fabricate the rigging, and 30 hours to install the rigging. 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? I just replaced all the rope running rigging on a Catalina 27 for about $300. Labor total: $1,000 on average 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. 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. Proper size and material components for the rig are further consideration. That cost me $10k. And never forget the golden rule: if in doubt, sling it out. Use nylon 3-Strand for anchor, dock, mooring and tow lines or polyester 3-strand for running rigging on traditional cruising boats. It's a really helpful post (with a formula) if you want to know what to expect. 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. 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. That said, some sailors prefer wire over rod for a number of reasons. Most masts have integral sheaves, which are rarely serviced except when the mast is unsteppedoften only at five-year intervals. This was rod rigging and increased the price quite a bit. 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. Mount the masts. Give us a call, and we can give you a rough quote. Additionally, a DIY sailor needs to do plenty of research, particularly when it comes to wire quality, which is something professional sailboat rigging companies watch like hawks. Tag each line with a sticker noting which line it is. There is no hard and fast rule for when to replace your running rigging. As I have done a fair amount of club racing, my personal preference would be to use any of the above products for everything except the halyards and then go for a lighter, low stretch, high tech product such as New England Ropes T-900 for the halyards and get the eye splices done professionally. The task of replacing the standing rigging on a sailing yacht may seem daunting but there is a procedure to follow that can make it a relatively straight forward process for anyone who is reasonably practical. NEW FLAT SCREEN 36" TV IN THE V-BERTH - 2019 Replace Running Rigging, Lifelines and Engine Repairs 3/2018. 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. 34' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $3,000 - $5,000. As for sources of wire and fittings, there are many, including major chandleries and vendors, like West Marine and Defender, as well as some private riggers, like Annapolis Rigging and the Rigging Company, which will work with you to define what you need and help you source parts and materials. Wendy Mitman Clarke is currently between passages. Hed estimate more like $4,600 for a 40-foot boat, but all of these numbers depend on how much is involved: Are there furlers? I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content. This could be a marine eye, a marine fork, a T-head or a J-hook, among others. Now would also be a good time to change those old cotter pins and circlip rings as well. Whether youre buying a used sailboat thats new to you or youve owned your boat for decades, the standing rigging is what keeps the mast in place, and thus requires particular attention. Why do you want to suddenly replace all your running rigging? Cleat the halyard and pull it to the tape mark on one side . I can only assume this is due to the risk of rocking the hull off its jackstands. I have broken more than my share of components in newer boats while a lot less in older boats. Note wire and pin diameters and measure the wires as accurately as possible between pin centers with the rig fully tensioned. Now is a good time to install all new cotter pins or rings to leave no doubt as to the integrity of your connections. The Down Haul consists of a line attached to the mast end of the boom. Sailboat Running Rigging You don't want to have faulty sailboat running rigging. There are other wires out there that are cheaper, but theyre not guaranteed.. 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. Good question. 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. Redoing the running rigging on a cruising sailboat involves measuring, measuring and measuring. First, check for cracks (usually longitudinal), particularly if the terminal looks misshapen or the stay is misaligned in any way. If the leeward shroud flops around underway, the constant flexing will weaken the metal over time and make it more prone to fail. Before re-tuning the rig the mast base, turnbuckles and stay fixtures should be inspect. If you suspect a possible crack, try running some dye over itthe crack will become much more obvious that way. 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. Check by sighting up the backside of the mast to see how straight your spar is side to side. The running rigging consists of the halyards, sheets . 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+. USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly. A swaged fitting is a terminus thats attached using a machine called a swager. This is the furling line for an in-mast furler. Its always advisable to unstep the mast every few years to check it over thoroughly at ground level, so this is an obvious time to consider replacing the shrouds and stays, particularly if the forestay is to be replaced, as removing the furler without damaging it can be a tricky task. 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. Running rigging is the rigging of a sailing vessel that is used for raising, lowering, shaping and controlling the sails on a sailing vesselas opposed to the standing rigging, which supports the mast and bowsprit. Does that mean that replacement time for those is longer? To avoid you have to go cheap on your safety gear, I've put it in the budget for $500. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. The actual total annual cost is $3,000 to $7,000, due to other recurring costs like docking and insurance fees. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 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. The short answer is, lithium batteries perform better and last longer than many lead-acid batteries. I won't go into detail, but I have written an in-depth article about the cost of new sails (opens in new tab). Account. Most recent receipt was for lower stays 10 years ago. Ensure you keep hold of the standing end so it doesn't disappear to the top of the mast. You should be mechanically inclined, he says, and the way to find that out is if I start talking all this technical jargon and you decide whether youre suited to handle that at all.. First, its easier to fix in remote places and on your own. As you can see, most of these costs are longterm recurring maintenance costs. If you want to know exactly what the USCG safety requirements are, including checklists, definitely check out my article here. Every time I think Ive seen it all, my people outdo themselves and serve up the unexpected. The average price of new sailboats is $250,000, ranging from $96,000 to $654,000. Your subscription could not be saved. The average price of used sailboats is $111,000, ranging from $19,000 to $518,000. Flares have to be replaced every 42 months. Clean and lubricate them, then refasten them, and remember to mouse them with new galvanized wire and tape over the ends to avoid chafe. [advertisement]. It is comprised of fixed lines, wires, or rods that are designed to support each mast or bowsprit on sailing vessels. The total maintenance cost for a bluewater cruiser will average around $3,225 per year or $269 per month. That's a broad range, but if you know what you need for your boat, then you can get a better idea of the cost. Contact us Wire rigging is generally less expensive and easier to handle. 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. In the past, long-distance cruisers typically chose wire rigging with mechanical fittings for all of these reasons. 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).