Minimalist rerigging for offshore cruising

[northoceanbeach]

I have gotten a good Cascade 29 with a solid hull and nice condition. However it hasn't sailed mush in the last 13 years and I want to cruise and need to do some rerigging. The way I se it is there are three major rig types I need to change.

1. blocks, winches, sheet system, shackles, those things
2. lines
3. cables, fittings, an d turnbuckles.

So far I have number one pretty well covered. I replaced all the old pieces it had on it, and got a new tiller.

Next I'm working on the standing rigging. I got two turnbuckles today for the upper shrouds. After I get 2 more next pyday for the stays I'm going to move on to the lines that need changing the most.

What my question is is does this sound like a solid plan? WHat should my priorities be and what is typically the parts that fail if something does?

I have yet to sail her, I'm terrified of losing my stick, but I think I am being too paranoid. How important is it to replace the cables, not just the fittings. They look good, I've seen some boats where they are splitting and unwinding. But mine all look and feel nice.

Do I need to go through and replace every little piece, from the smallest screw to the tiniest cotter pin? At what pointis my boat seaworthy? I am sailing on a budget and would like to get to the northern west coast from Hawai'i this summer.

Also, wen I was looking at blocks, the same sized block could range from 21.99-165.99. What level do I need?

[SailorNate]

allright, go right now and buy a copy of Don Casey's book, This Old Boat (about 50 bucks). I promise you this will be the best 50 dollars you can spend right now on your boat. They have it in stock at whatever store you have been shopping at. You need to go day sailing on some easy days to get started. If you do the rig inspection "The Don" recomends and it passes, go sailing before you spend another dime on the boat. Ignore all the horror stories about the mast coming down. Inspect your rig, fix anything that is not up to spec, and go sail. You will probably find that you have no meathooks, and none of your swagged fittings are cracked. GO SAIL. After you get back sit down in your cockpit or cabin enjoy a beverage of your choice and read some more from Mr. Casey, it will answer all of your questions about sailboat repair, and will answer many more questions you have not thought of. (PS his book is in the second edition, but if all you can find is the first edition buy it ask for a discount and buy it, the electronics section is a little dated is all)

Nate

[sailingdog]

I would point out that if you're at the point where you're replacing turnbuckles, it is pretty likely that other parts need replacing as well, even if they appear to be fine to the naked eye. How old is this boat, and how old is the rigging?

If you can take the mast down and remove all the rigging from it, clearly label it all and then send it off to a rigging specialist, they can often re-create the rigging for less money than you'd think. Riggingonly.com is the shop i use, and I would highly recommend talking to them.

Being penny-wise and pound-foolish on a boat's standing rigging, especially before going offshore is really rather stupid IMHO. I would recommend having a good look at the chainplates and mast tangs as well as the rigging itself. Crevice corrosion and delamination often cause huge issues on the chainplates and often in areas which are not visible without taking the chainplates off.

IMHO, the standing rigging is far more important than the running rigging. If the stick falls down, all the new halyards and sheets mean nothing.