Standing rigging and prioritizing the To Do list

[josrulz]

Hi all,
OK, so our Sabre 34 is 26 years old this year, and I have a standing rigging question. I'm aware of the general rules of thumb on standing rigging replacement, and have read much of what's on SailNet as well as maintenance manuals.

In our case, our boat lived in the north east until last year. We know for a fact that the mast was pulled every winter for the last 13 years, possibly before that too, but we know for sure the previous owner did it (have receipts). We don't believe the boat was raced much, and certainly hasn't been cruised heavily on long passages. It's also about 95% likely that the standing rigging is original to the boat (1984).

The mast is out right now for other reasons and the boat is on the hard. So we have an opportunity to replace standing rigging for less than it might otherwise cost. We had a reputable rigger stop by, just to take a look (he was already going to be in the area). This was not an inspection, just a once-over. He said overall the rig is in excellent condition for its age, and nothing he saw concerned him off the bat.

He also said that we should probably replace standing rigging ever 15 years (for our type of usage). That was not a surprise to me, as I've read that before, and that's why I had him stop by.

Sooo, as "new" boat owners we have a long To Do list. And it's true that we'd save some $ having the work done now instead of with the mast up. Certainly. And I know the absolute "safe" thing is to replace it all. But it's still big $$.

So my question is, should we just have the rigger do a complete inspection of the standing rigging, or should we just replace it? Where does this fall in the prioritization of getting stuff done on a 26 year old boat?

Note that we'll already be pulling all the chainplates this winter for complete inspection and rebedding. I should also add that I was already sold on just replacing all of it (even though it really hurts the budget), until I read some posts on SailNet about inspection being more appropriate, especially on a boat that's been used as ours has.

Thoughts?
-J

[Faster]

Having just done this ourselves, here's our take.

Do it. It will be just one more "worry" off the "list". Since the mast is down you can save a lot of billing time by removing the shrouds and stays yourself, taking them to his shop and have him reproduce them new, and reattach them yourself as well.

We had done our forestay the year before when we added a furler, so we ended up doing all the shrouds, w/ new turnbuckles all around for under $1500.

[scottyt]

getting the rigging online, while the mast is down just get it copied. it would be cheaper and easier

[josrulz]

Originally Posted by Faster

Having just done this ourselves, here's our take.

Do it. It will be just one more "worry" off the "list". Since the mast is down you can save a lot of billing time by removing the shrouds and stays yourself, taking them to his shop and have him reproduce them new, and reattach them yourself as well.

We had done our forestay the year before when we added a furler, so we ended up doing all the shrouds, w/ new turnbuckles all around for under $1500.

Yeah, the rigger said we could bring everything to him, and install the new stuff ourselves. Though he did suggest that if we want, they could come out and do the headstay only, if we want to save the trouble of dealing with the furler (80's era Harken). All in all, he said we'd easily save 40% doing all that ourselves. Plus, since it's winter, we'll get a discount especially on parts, since business is slow this time of year for them. I haven't gotten the official estimate from him yet, but his initial numbers sound about right compared to other "deals" I've seen, and this guy has actually been on OUR boat, and has spent time talking to me.

[mitiempo]

I'd look at replacing all the rigging with swages at the top and the more durable mechanical fastenings at the lower end - Sta-Lok or Hi-Mod. If you get the wires swaged on the top end and the wire cut to the right length the mechanical fittings are easy to do yourself.

[catamount]

First priority is to make sure the boat isn't going to sink (i.e. check your plumbing: hoses, seacocks, etc...)

Second priority is to keep the rig up -- this is a sailboat, right? Do it.

[sck5]

My boat is 20 years old and I had the mast down for other reasons last year and went ahead and did it. The logic was that I didnt want to change my mind and wish I had done it on the day the boat is rolling crazily out of sight of land or when the sudden squall hits me out of nowhere. Peace of mind is important. Also there are some rig failures that can just happen. An inspection is good but riggers dont have crystal balls to tell them what will happen if you dont replace it.

[celenoglu]

Stainless is a material which gives up without any prior notice. The life of the rigging is maximum 10 years not 15. Therefore replace it.

[BarryL]

Originally Posted by celenoglu

The life of the rigging is maximum 10 years not 15. Therefore replace it.

What does this mean? That after 10 years the rigging will fall to pieces? There are lots of boats (the original author of this post for one) out sailing with 20 year old rigging and the stick is still up.

Nothing lasts forever, but 10 years is real short for quality rigging, especially for boats in the north east that only have the rig up for 8 months.

Very rarely does the wire just snap. Usually it's the mechanical fittings, and you can inspect them for rust, cracks, deformation, etc.

Barry

[Faster]

I think the 10 year 'rule' applies more to continuous tropical exposure. Here in the PNW I'd be willing to bet that a majority of boats are still sailing around with 20 year old standing rigging...

Rod can fail instantly with little warning, wire will usually give you some indication - meathooks or parting strands. But I think it's all about peace of mind and confidence in the rig when things pipe up.