I will replace my Standing Rigging myself... HELP!

GilStump · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008

I am a man with no money. I got a quote to replace my rigging for $3100 and without doing the forestay! It's in a furler, I guess that makes it tough. So, I am going to do it myself, by golly. I'm smart, I am good with my hands, I am sexy, so why not? I have looked into Brion Toss's stuff, but it seems to be more of a "fun with knots" sort of thing. I need a comprehensive source for questions such as, "How the hell do I know how much (and how thick) wire rope to order?", or "Should I climb the mast or step the damn thing?", or "Swaging vs. Sta-Norseman?", or "Should I have my frigging head examined for living on a thirty year old boat that I can't sail because its falling apart from PO neglect?".

Has anyone done this?
Know any good books?

Love,
Gilligan

Freesail99 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008

Contact Rigging.com they will cut to size and install all your fittings for you. You can can even send them your old rigging for them to match.

I really want to comment on the sexy comment, but I am being nice.

knothead · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilStump

I am a man with no money. I got a quote to replace my rigging for $3100 and without doing the forestay! It's in a furler, I guess that makes it tough. So, I am going to do it myself, by golly. I'm smart, I am good with my hands, I am sexy, so why not? I have looked into Brion Toss's stuff, but it seems to be more of a "fun with knots" sort of thing. I need a comprehensive source for questions such as, "How the hell do I know how much (and how thick) wire rope to order?", or "Should I climb the mast or step the damn thing?", or "Swaging vs. Sta-Norseman?", or "Should I have my frigging head examined for living on a thirty year old boat that I can't sail because its falling apart from PO neglect?".

Has anyone done this?
Know any good books?

Love,

Gilligan

Love??

Anyway, Gil, I'm not going to address all your questions here. All these issues and questions have been beaten to death in other threads here.
However, if you would like to PM me, I will give you my phone number and email address and would be happy to discuss any of your concerns or questions at length.

Love, Steve

camaraderie · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008

Hey Gil...take advantage of Knotheads offer. He is a pro rigger and can really help you out. Alternatively...you can take the mast down, slap on some masking tape and call yourself a trawler.

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008

I'd second taking Knothead up on his offer. Riggingonly.com is also a good resource, and a good place to get rigging advice, supplies and equipment.

GilStump · #6 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

I am trying to get in touch with Knothead, but I am too new. Does this count as a post?

merlin2375 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

Your post sure does count...you're already at 8..just a couple of more

lbdavis · #8 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

Hey Gil,

If you posted again, what number post would that be?

Stillraining · #9 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

Its ..Easy...Easy ...Mostly Easy...Do it your self...Use staylocks...My 13 year old daughter can do one ( I have to cut the cable and finish tightening it though) if you have a small boat with deck stepped mast ..yes drop it, much easier..as far as your forestay in the furler if its an aluminum foil you may have to drill out the rivets and break it down as its is really tough to push cable that far. Still not that bad of job...What size you ask...Go same size as origional unless you plan on offshore work.

You mentioned Brian toss...By his stayloc DVD if you have not been shown how to do one and are worried about it...It is very good with a couple tricks worth the price of it.

knothead · #10 (**permalink**) 05-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by GilStump

I am trying to get in touch with Knothead, but I am too new. Does this count as a post?

Gil, Stillraining makes a good point. Sta-loks are not difficult to assemble. (once you've done a few). They do cost considerably more than swage fittings but you won't need a swaging machine or a rigger. Although, if there is someone around that has some rigging experience, I think that you would do well to seek them out. Maybe just to get you started.
But however you do it, whether by reading or observing, do learn how to assemble them correctly. I've seen some pretty scary installations.

Whatever you do, please don't neglect your headstay. It's more than likely the same age as the rest of the rigging and it is a pretty important piece.
Let me know what kind of furling system you have and I can advise you as to replacing the wire.

I guess you can't see my profile page which has my email address so here it is.
ibeearigger{at}hotmail{dot}com
If you email me I can give you my phone number.