Rig replacement
Dan -- If you're a moderately competent mechanic replacing your standing rigging just isn't that big a deal. I did my 33 myself last spring, although the mast was down. (It comes down every winter because the boat is stored in my side yard over the winter - You know, that part of the year when on the East coast we get freezing weather and snow?) I talked with several rigging suppliers and they all recommended using Sta-Lock fittings. I ended up buying mail order from JSI in Florida at "show" pricing at the Atlantic City Sail Show. Measurements needed to be only close. I had them swage on the top fittings, a little bit cheaper than the Sat-Locks, and with the opening of the fitting facing down there's no worry about salt water resting inside the fitting and causing corrosion. When the rigging arrived I just matched each piece up, cut the wire to exact length and tightened on the Sta-Lock, using a dab of 5200 on final assembly to keep salt water out. Really a piece of cake. While I was there I did a few modifications. I hated the split back stay because I kept smacking my head and shoulder on it so it became a twin back stay like on an Island Packet. (Closest I'll ever get to one!) I increased the size of the head stay from 1/4" to 9/32". All the riggers said it was unnecessary but it made me feel better and only made pennies difference in the price. I feel infinitely better KNOWING my rig is fresh and strong. One thing the riggers were unanimous on was that if the rig is beyond 10 years old it should be replaced.
