Standing rigging

solman55 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Hey guys I just recently had my standing rigging on my watkins 27 checked out and they are calling for all new rigging due to cracked swedges and such and was wondering what does this normally cost, they quoted 1200-1500. Just looking for advice.
Thanks

AdamLein · #2 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

A kit for the standard rigging on my 27 footer, including forestay, backstay, and uppers, is $580. It includes all 316 SS, swaged fittings, turnbuckles, toggles, and cotter pins. Similar kits for forward and aft lowers are about $140, so call it $860 all told.

What the kits do not include are adjustable backstays, running backstays, inner forestays/babystays, or any modifications that would be required for furling gear. Also this is a single-spreader masthead rig. Looks similar to your boat.

It also doesn't include labor. Are they quoting parts and labor or just parts?

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Your quote for ALL the standing rigging looks pretty good, esp if that's installed. It would not include any costs for lowering and reinstalling the rig, I'm guessing, and you might want to do that for a thorough inspection of the rest of the rig while you're at it. If indeed you have cracked swages this would be the right thing to do at this time.

It will a give you good peace of mind for the future

sailingdog · #4 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Two routes you can go... you can have them install the new rigging or you can send your rigging to a loft and have them make up new rigging for you and ship it back and install it yourself. Given the quote you've gotten, that's not a bad price if it is for installed.

One thing I highly recommend is that you have the rigging made with swaged fittings at the mast and mechanical fittings at the lower ends. This is less expensive than going with all mechanical fittings and gives you a bit more versatility if you're planning on going cruising. I prefer the Hayn HiMod mechanical fittings over the StaLok or Norseman brands, since they're usually less expensive, and IMHO a better design.

AdamLein · #5 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

SD's recommendation is probably a good one if you're planning on sailing to the Bahamas. Alternatively you could go the synthetic rope route... a hot topic on this forum. Even cheaper than swageless fittings, and very DIY friendly.

solman55 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Thanks guys that price is, as I was told, for everything them pulling the mast and doing all the work the fellow told me if I did the work with them it would be a good bit cheaper, so if I did all the main work helping remove the mast and such that would help. I will talk to them again about it and I do plan on sailing to the Bahamas eventually so I plan on installing radar and going ahead and doing the mast head lights and anchor light as well as other things may even paint the mast. I figured it was not a bad price, next time I can meet with them they said that they would point everything out to me so I will do that so that I can see and talk to them in person more. Thanks for the information, and if you guys could help me come up with a list of questions to ask them and things to think about that would be great.

sailingdog · #7 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

If you're really planning on going to the Bahamas, I would highly recommend you also get a spare piece of rigging as heavy as your heaviest piece, and as long as your longest piece...and mechanical fittings for it, so that you can jury rig something if you need to when sailing in remote areas.

AdamLein · #8 (**permalink**) 02-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by solman55

Thanks guys that price is, as I was told, for everything them pulling the mast and doing all the work the fellow told me

In that case it sounds like a good deal to me.

solman55 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Thats a great idea Sd. Thanks for the tips, I cant afford it right now so I am saving up and will do it closer to summer for now I am re-wiring the boat to make it safer and better overall. I want to set it up so it will be safe to sail to the bahamas by next year or so.
Thanks

BubbleheadMd · #10 (**permalink**) 02-04-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by solman55

Thanks guys that price is, as I was told, for everything them pulling the mast and doing all the work the fellow told me if I did the work with them it would be a good bit cheaper, so if I did all the main work helping remove the mast and such that would help. I will talk to them again about it and I do plan on sailing to the Bahamas eventually so I plan on installing radar and going ahead and doing the mast head lights and anchor light as well as other things may even paint the mast. I figured it was not a bad price, next time I can meet with them they said that they would point everything out to me so I will do that so that I can see and talk to them in person more. Thanks for the information, and if you guys could help me come up with a list of questions to ask them and things to think about that would be great.

If they will allow you to work with them to defray part of the cost, I'd jump all over that. Not only will it lessen the cost, but it could be highly educational.