Annapolis rigging companies?

[labatt]

I've found that Annapolis rigging seems to be very expensive (although they may be good). I've had both Madden Mast and Rigging and Southbound Cruising Services (Brian Duff) recommended to me. Does anyone know of these organizations?

[teshannon]

Chris,
I've used ESR (Eastport Spar and Rigging) for some rigging work. I don't have a price comparison but they do good work. They also installed my radar and chartplotter and did a superb job. Will be glad to get the contact info if you want.
Tom

[labatt]

Thanks Tom! Both Madden and Southbound come highly recommended and both have been contacted by people on "my behalf" before I selected them, so I figure I should pick one of the two.. just having a real problem figuring out which one!

[Mike244]

Maddens replaced the standing and running rigging on my Pearson Vanguard (SeaWolf) last spring. They also re-wired the mast and installed a radar dome while they had the mast off the boat. All said I spent about $9000 with them. Had I been a better shopper I'm sure I could've saved a bunch of cash. After the initial bid I didn't get quotes for the extras that I added along the way. I was somewhat shocked at the final bill. I am still waiting for them to fix a shorted wire on one of my spreader lights after they re-wired the mast. Steve has failed to follow through on this service issue more than once.

They do great work but I think they are way over priced.

Mike
1965 Vanguard #244

[labatt]

Thanks Mike.. I actually ended up just talking to Southbound... it turns out the guy who runs Southbound (and I believe it's just him) used to head up Madden's rigging group. He sounds reasonable on price. I'll post back here when things are done as to how they went.

[svsirius]

I used Madden once and they were OK.. I too really like John at ESR. Also Chesapeake Rigging is still the largest in town.