Standing rigging replacement, unstep or not

[Endurance2010]

Has anyone replaced their standing rigging on the mast, without unstepping the mast? I really don't want to unstep the mast if I can avoid it.

A rigger quoted me $4k to replace my standing rigging by unstepping the mast and I find it a bit absurd. It seems like a huge, over-complicated production. Since it is a B&R rig, and has tons of wire, I was thinking perhaps of piecemealing some rigging, sending it away for replication, and then reinstalling new wire when it returns.

My idea is to have a rigger remove the 4 interior wires from the bottom third, replace them, and then slowly work his way up accordingly? Is this a crazy idea? Thanks.

--Dan

 

[David in Sandusky]

Dropping the mast not a big deal?

If your marina has a mast crane it's two hours for you and a couple of buddies. At our marina it's $150 for the marina crew to take it down and put it up after the work.

The trade-off is paying the rigger for his time going up the mast (if he is willing) to replace every wire, then running it back to his shop to make each replacement.

If you are going to hire an expert - then let him call the shots.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Seems like there is a significant difference in yard fees. Here on Lake Erie it would be most cost effective to have the mast horizontal. Mine is down right now and it is so easy to pull all the wire. Duplicate it and reinstall it and done. Would save a bundle whether you do it yourself or hire it. Not to mention the safety aspect.

 

[Steve Dion]

I would check with Seco South for a price on the hardware. I would guess it would be somewhere around $1500 for all new standing rigging.

I also think that a complete replacement needs to be done on the bench if you want it done properly. I would also suggest that you replace all of the sheaves in the mast at this time too. It is also a good time to reseal the mast step and wiring tube (thru deck).

 

[Benny17441]

This reminds me of a story. A radio station in Miami needed to paint their antenna and were taking bids. Joe Licensed bid $3,000 and Mike Proffesional indicated he would do it for $2,700 when along came Jose Handyman and quoted $150. The manager was elated and asked Jose when could he start to which Jose replied in his usual tone of voice, "As soon as you can lay it down". If you are having a rigger do the job it will likely be more economical to do it with the mast down. The riggers time is one of the major cost factors for the job. As Steve points out this is the time to replace wiring and other mast components and thoroughly inspect the spar.

 

[Steve Dion]

Dan:

I suggest that you give John a call at Seco. I believe that they may have all of the measurements for your rig.

http://secosouth.com/

If it were me, I would speak with your rigger and see if he is interested in putting your rig together if you purchase the materials elsewhere. If not, there is probably a rigger in the area that will.

 

[neild]

The B & R rigging manual explains how to put the pre-bend in the mast before stepping it.. I would think that it would be pretty hard to replace those wires and getting the bend correct while it's stepped.