Yacht Rigging
Rigging Spar & Mast Services
With over 25 years of mast and rigging experience, and many thousands of sea miles, SBY provides on site, hands on, quality refit services for sailing and racing vessels of all sizes. SBY prides itself on the premiere service we offer our customers. We are at the top of Rigging Service when it comes to responding quickly, efficiently, and working around our customers’ schedules.
We are always willing to help with any questions or concerns about your mast and spar needs. We have assembled a team of experts that have the experience you need for the job. We are confident that they can provide the kind of service that is in keeping with the quality and reliability for which we are known.
Standing rigging
Maintaining high standards when it comes to Standing Rigging is critical to the well-being of your yacht. All wire and rod should be checked periodically for loose strands and breaks along the entire length with specific attention to the end fittings. Attention should also be directed to any location where it comes in contact with other rigging. Each fitting should be inspected for wear and the assemblage should be replaced if there is a significant amount of damage or stress cracking, or if the fitting hole has become disfigured in some way.
Standing rigging is put to a test every day by just being on the water. Our objective is to make sure you can leave the dock with piece of mind knowing that your boat’s rig is ready to go. Rig re-fits, inspections, and rig replacement is how we can help you stay safe. From backstay levers to wire rope, rod we provide the products and services to keep the rig standing and to keep you and your crew safe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or for more information Sail the Blue Yachting.
Running Rigging
Running Rigging is subject to wear and tear (just like Standing Rigging), and should be inspected often. Running rigging takes a lot of abuse from being wrapped around a winch, to being stepped on in the cockpit, to brutal UV rays from the sun. It is important to use the highest quality ropes and cordage and we are a proud to be partnered with best brands in cordage including Liros, Armar.
We’re sure to choose the right rope for your needs. From standard eye splices to high-tech loops including chafe guards, halyard stripping and old-fashioned wire to rope splices, we can make any type of running rigging that you desire. With a variety of colours and custom line, our products are structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Rigging Inspection – Load Testing
Having your rigging routinely inspected not only makes good sense, but is likely required for insurance purposes.
A professional inspection by SBY Rigging Team can reveal problematic issues before they become critical. Inspections keep your mast and other spars intact, upright, and sturdy and allow you to stay ahead in the maintenance process.
An SBY technician will carry out a full visual inspection of the mast, boom and associated hardware. We will provide recommendations detailing any problems and a description of the work necessary to correct any issues will be supplied to you. We’re here to help!
ANNUAL INSPECTIONS
During an Annual Inspection, the mast is de-jacked to unload the rods and wherever possible, all rod heads and fittings are cleaned and re-lubricated.
The mast is re-jacked and any necessary tuning is carried out. A full report will be prepared for the boat owner and if required, copied to the mast manufacturer.
LOAD TESTING
Rigging Load Testing is almost always required after servicing the hoisting and safety systems.
It is of supreme importance to carry out the test properly and to the work level approaching the limits of its specifications. Safety is unconditionally of the highest importance when conducting Load Testing.
Our testing services include: Means of Embarkation, Engine Room Overhead Crane/Rail Testing, Davit Testing, and Safety Access System Testing.
18-8, 304, 316, 1x19, 7x19, 7x7 - What do all the numbers mean?
Stainless steel is an alloy that contains at least 50% iron and 10% chromium. The chromium inhibits corrosion – the more chromium, the more corrosion resistance up to a maximum of about 30%.
Type 304 stainless is widely used for rigging, fasteners, and fittings. Most of the stainless produced today is type 304, also called 18-8 because it’s made of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. By adding more nickel and 2% molybdenum to 304 stainless, you get Type 316, which has the best corrosion resistance among standard stainless steels. It resists pitting and corrosion by most chemicals, and is particularly resistant to saltwater corrosion.
When stainless steel is produced, the chromium forms an outer oxide layer. As long as that layer remains intact, the stainless remains passive. To prevent corrosion, the passivated stainless steel is immersed in a heated bath of phosphates and salts. This solution forms an oxide film that seals off the iron, preventing it from going into solution in water. Once the oxide layer begins to break down, the stainless steel becomes active and its corrosion resistance is reduced. Rust is the visible evidence of corrosive activity.
How often should I replace my standing rigging?
The lifespan of standing rigging on the is 10-15 years. Keep in mind that even when you’re not sailing your boat, as long as the mast is up, the rigging is under load and the “lifespan clock” is ticking. We recommend leaving wire, swages, and turnbuckles uncovered (no tape, turnbuckle boots, or wire covers), and taking a close look at your rigging annually to check for cracks, broken wire strands, and heavy rust. A crack can be hard to spot (often no bigger than a strand of hair) – a magnifying glass will help.
Walden Rigging uses only the highest quality 316 stainless steel wire. We offer the best fittings available, including swaged and mechanical fittings and chrome bronze open body turnbuckles.
What maintenance does standing rigging require?
The best maintenance is prevention. Rinse your boat, including the rigging at deck level, after sailing. Check your rigging on an annual basis for signs of stress and aging. Plan ahead for your next re-rig and do it before things start to fail. You’ll be making a worthwhile investment in your boat and in your continued enjoyment of sailing.