Quite often owners and brokers will tell you that the rigging on what could be your next sail boat has been completely redone. Rarely is this the case.
To be sure you should contact a yacht surveyor or a qualified rigger to do an on-board and up the mast inspection. Once you have the report you will have a better idea of what you are dealing with. Oftentimes you will discover that the rigging has not been replaced and only the cable ends at deck level were replaced with Sta-Lok or Norseman fittings. One must consider not just the end fittings on the cable at both ends but the cable itself. Rigging replacement should include turnbuckles, tangs, toggles and chain plates and let's not forget about the cables and any runners you may have. Running back stays, jumper stays, bob stays and whisker stays are just as important. Spreader fittings both at the mast and at the spreader tips should be carefully inspected or replaced.
The mast step should be of sound material giving the mast a firm foundation. It should be replaced if there is any sign of weakness or damage. The mast base fitting or locating timbers should be free from rot or splits and should be treated with anti-rot and anti-fungal chemicals. Steel steps should be cleaned and sealed as often as necessary. An aluminum mast and the lower end plate should be free from blistered paint or corrosion of any type. Severe corrosion at the mast base can sometimes be cut off by a few inches to remove the corrosion. The mast will sit short but the replacement of the rigging cables can compensate for this. A few inches will not be noticeable nor will it adversely affect the performance of the rig. If the mast has to be shortened more than a few inches or even feet this is not a big deal. The section to be replaced should be welded or screw fastened or perhaps pop riveted in place. The method you chose should be approved by your surveyor/rigger and your insurance company.
We will continue up the mast with suggestions on winch pads, cleats, spreaders, tangs, bails and masthead fittings tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment