General Rigging Question

[CPseudonym]

As a newby to sailing sifting through the information on this forum I've seen posters relate owner manual recommendation's regarding rigging replacement. 5 to 10 year range seems to be the average I've seen posted.

How often do YOU replace YOUR rigging? Standing and running. Do you replace pulleys and other items as well? How about sails?

Thank you~Craig

 

[JoeWhite]

Craig - I replaced my 20 year old standing rigging. There was no signs of any problem - but I hate find out at a 25Knot wind. The salt water damages it eventually. So it varries as to when to replace them. For your sailboat it should not cost more that $ 400.00 for all the standing rigging. When you receive your new ones - melt bees wax on the lower turn bucles where the calbes are crimped. This is where salt water enters and corrodes the cables and it is not visible. The bees wax will keep the water out.

 

[FastOlson]

"Plus One" to Joe's good advice.
We replaced our rig at 14 years -- all wires and turnbuckles.
Not too many sailors have been thru a dismasting at sea, but those of us that have this experience tend toward the conservative side of the argument.
In a warmer salt water climate, I would have done it at 10 years...
While that spar is down, check all the sheaves for abrasion and check their axles. There are lots of very highly-stressed parts attached at the mast head and spreaders and that's the time to check them closely.
Any boat over 20 years old should have the wiring and coax in the spar replaced, too. LOTS easier to do when the spar is horizontal. Ditto for ancient lighting fixtures and the vhf antenna.

L

 

[dscribner]

Craig,

As a trailer sailor you have a serious advantage over some of these guys. You can step the mast in 15 minutes and check everything. You can also replace the rigging for 1/2 the cost. IF you step often, check the kink points at the ends. Be sure that there is no corrosion or broken wires. Ask me how I know. If I had to sail home on a starboard tack, I'd probably be one of those dismasting experts. Anyways, check for broken wires and replace those in pairs. Then, pick a second set for next year and finish up on the third year. Consider modifications while you do it. A Johnson Lever is a good add for stepping. Maybe a roller furler if you haven't got one. There's a fellow on line that made his own if you're handy.

 

[Jackdaw]

All good stuff so far. Add this one:

Ask your insurance agent how old it can be before they will deny a claim for a rigging failure. For many marine insurers, its 10 years.

 

[CPseudonym]

Thanks for the feedback. Cost was not the issue, I was looking over the rigging today and found no signs of wear anywhere. Just seeking assurance that going with my gut and replacing it was the right thing to do.

Is there a link to a diagram of a basic running rigging layout for a boat similar to mine? Something generic to point me in the right direction while I sort this out. ~Craig

 

[Ray Bowles]

CP, As a fellow trailer sailer, and after having owned a 38 foot boat, I have found a little difference between the basic uses that might help answer your post.
Larger boat that are kept rigged all the time have a much higher danger of failure as they are constantly exposed to weather and waves. They also carry much higher loads because of their weight and sail size.
Smaller boats usually are not rigged standing all the time so the actual use time is far less. You also have to handle your wires and fittings everytime you raise the mast so you should be very aware of any bad wires or fittings and should replace bad pieces at once.
Since you are new to our sport I would recommend you learn about rigging and have a basic understanding of the tensions your wires call for. A properly tensioned rig is much kinder on your boat than a loose rig. I would also replace any bent fittings and kinked wires as a wire shroud failure, or fitting failure, can lead to a mast collapse.
All that said, WELCOME to sailing.
Ray

 

[tommays]

I replaced the 1981 J24 rigging in 2009 and it did not look that bad till it was side by side with the new stuff

I did the 1970 Cal 29 in 2011 and the biggest OS was the wear on the headstay wire under the furler bushings were it can NOT be seen without taking it apart

The head stay was worn about 1/3 through so now i have some piece of mind for a while again

 

[JoyRide28]

For O'day parts and really knowledgeable assistance contact D & R Marine (in Mass.). Having formerly owned an O'day 222, I got to know them pretty well (over the phone). Good people!

 

[dscribner]

The best way is to take it to the local chandler and say "I want one just like this only not broke". They'll measure it, match the fittings and swage it like like they'll be liable if it breaks. Do you trailer often and do you have a Johnson lever? Highly recommended to make stepping easier and safer.