standing rigging

[J. Barrett]

Just when I thought I was ready for the spring launch.... After cleaning/painting the bottom and keel, straightening out some wiring issues, etc, I figured I was about ready to launch. Until I inspected my standing rigging. I found about 5 or 6 broken strands at the starboard chainplate for the upper shroud and a mutilated swage at the port chainplate for the lower shroud. Time to replace what I believe to be the original rig. Does anyone have a suggestion on a quality and reasonable place to get the new rigging made? I have one quote for $140 each for the uppers and $110 each for the lowers. Is this in the ballpark? Any suggestions would be great. I can hear the suction of that big ole hole sucking at my wallet now Thanks. -John

 

[Capn Bob]

J. Barrett, I just replaced my standing rigging with new from Blue Water Yachts in Seattle, New forestay, and both upper and lower shrouds both sides. I already put on an adjustable back stay. Cost about $200 for the works. Also got the newer style metal spreader tips. There wasn't any real problem with my old stuff, no broken wires or anything but better safe than sorry. I think I read that Ramblin Rod believes that the standing rigging on our boats should last a lifetime if no visible defects are present. I figured on a 20 year old boat with 20 year old rigging replacing it was prudent.

 

[J. Barrett]

Fittings??

Cap'n Bob, Do the shrouds from BWY come with the fittings to attach to the mast and chainplates? My 25 has those lovely metal adjusters with the holes that you lever and then pin to adjust tension. Also, what is the easiest way to contact them to order shrouds? I looked at their web site but didn't see a "parts" page as such. I'm waiting for a call back from West Marine with a quote now. I have another quote from a performance sailing store for %500 total, $140 each for the uppers/ $110 each for the lowers. Seems a bit steep to me. Thanks -John

 

[Capn Bob]

Fittings

The new rigging comes with the tangs to connect to the slotted adjusters on the chainplates. The forestay comes without the turnbuckle. All fittings for the mast are attached. I have updated my spreader mast attacment to the new socket style so Blue Water called me to make sure they were sending the right stuff. Gayle is the lady in charge of phone orders at 1-800-688-2816. She had me mail my originals to her so they could make-up/match the original size. Everything fit perfectly but the new ones were pretty tight at set up. I haven't sailed her yet so haven't put the initial stretch into them yet. Probably have to re- tune after the first sail with reasonable strength winds. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. Best regards, Bob.