Rigging Inspection - Making The Most Of The Rig<<>>Knowing what condition the rig's in is achieved through a rigging inspection. Of course boats have a motor with propeller, drive shaft etc, however the sails and supporting structures are the objective of sailing. Once you realize the tension the shrouds, spreaders and backstay are under, then you are likely to check them frequently for wear and tear.
The more tension on the cables, the more pressure the hull is under. If tension is not present then either the mast may fall down or the cables get blown around - causing damage. So look out for visual wear and tear over the shrouds and spreaders. Start on the deck and work up the boat. Yes a trip in the bosun's chair is calling, at least annually. With the cable wires, look out for discoloring. Uniform discoloring is not a problem. Patches lean towards rust, not good. Replace the wire. Making sure to check the gauge prior to buying new.
By lying on your back looking up the mast. It is possible to judge a number of considerations. Is the mast being pulled to aft too much by the backstay? Check your sailboat manufacturer's manual for the correct angle. Similar overall tension can be achieved by adjusting the shrouds with the help of a tension gauge. Other than angle look for dents, ridges and cracks.
Before going aloft, go to the heel of the mast - where it meets the floor in the cabin. Beneath the floor you can judge whether the bilges are up to scratch. Be sure that water does not collect around the base of the mast, sitting there for months on end. Bare in mind that aluminum masts sometimes get a white powdery coating on, this normal, but check underneath the power for scratch - re anodize as necessary. Where the shrouds meet the deck are the chain plates. You should make sure that they are aligned to the angle of the shroud. Misalignment leads to undo stress. Looking For Something Specific? Type Your Search Below Custom Search Go from rigging inspection to sailboat rigging
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