Change rigging for dry storage

[fastscot]

I am curious as to whether or not it would be advisable to loosen up the standing rigging on my 1983 23' for winter dry storage. Taking tension off all the pieces that make-up the system by loosening the turnbuckles seems to make sense, is there any reason not to do it other than the job of re-tensioning in the spring. Thanks, CVP

 

[Mark]

Loosening rigging when on the hard

CVP,That's one of the strong recommendations from other sailboaters at the marina's I've had my boat stored at. When haul out happens and as we prep for winter storage on the hard, loosen up the rigging some, allowing flexing and movement, due to snow and windage. Whether you shrink wrap or have your own cover, it doesn't matter. Reasoning I was told was not only due to weight of snow and wind conditions during winter, but also, whenthe boat is on the hard, rigging can't flex as good as it would normally do while the boat is in the water. So, I loosen up my rigging a big to let it flex.Mark

 

[fastscot]

Thanks, I agree

It just seeems to make sense to take the tension off, but it appears most people go through little effort to PM their boats for the winter haul out. Why people leave their expensive running rigging flapping in the breeze for several months of winter weather rather than remove them is a mystery to me. Thanks, CVP