Standing rigging is a set of wires, rods, or synthetic cables that hold up the mast and keep it stable. They also help control the shape and tension of the sails. The standing rigging is usually made up of 316 stainless steel wire or nitronic-50 rod that is highly resistant Read more…
Backstay adjusters are a crucial piece of equipment on a sailboat, and there are several types available, including mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems. They allow you to adjust the tension on the backstay quickly and easily, providing more precise control over the sail’s shape. One popular type of hydraulic backstay Read more…
Disassembling sailboat rigs can be a difficult and frustrating task, especially when the rig was assembled without any anti-corrosive compounds. Many sailboats are put together at the factory without such compounds, making it challenging and costly for owners to dismantle and re-rig their vessels down the road. Anti-corrosive compounds play Read more…
Question: My halyard is binding. What’s up? From the Rigger: Most boat owners do not climb their masts regularly, but our riggers spend a lot of time up there. And they often find badly damaged or worn sheaves. Your halyards pass though sheaves mounted in the top of your mast. Read more…
Question: When your riggers talk about standing rigging, they often use terms I don’t recognize. Can you break it down for me? From the Rigger: Let’s play ‘Name that Stay’… Forestay (1 or HS) – The forestay, or headstay, connects the mast to the front (bow) of the boat and Read more…
Question: Do you have guidelines for selecting halyards, sheets, etc. for my sailboat? From the Rigger: First, if your old rope served its purpose but needs replacing, we recommend duplicating it as closely as possible to ensure that the replacement is the correct length and works with your existing clutches, Read more…
Question: What can I do to ensure that my Spinlock Deckvest is well-maintained and ready for the upcoming season? From the Rigger: We are so glad you asked! Deckvests need to be maintained so that they function properly when you need them. As a registered Spinlock dealer, Rigworks is always Read more…
Question – When should I replace my standing rigging? From the Rigger – According to industry standards, the anticipated lifespan for stainless steel rigging is 10-12 years for wire and 15-20 years for rod. Of course, a number of factors affect a rig’s lifespan including load, sailing conditions, mileage sailed, Read more…
Question: How do you get to the top of the mast? From the Rigger: It is amazing how often we get this question. One of the realities that keeps us busy is that most people don’t feel comfortable hoisting themselves up a mast to retrieve a halyard, mount a wind Read more…
Question: What should I know about genoa furling systems? From the Rigger: If you buy a furler, you will use your boat more often (no science here, but we know it is true). This is the first thing you should do to make sailing easier! Advantages: A good furling system Read more…