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…
Question: How do I keep my winches in top condition? From the Rigger: We are going to be honest with you. We are often shocked by the condition of the winches we service. We promise not to tease you if you let us work on them, but trust us, we Read more…
Question: I have Navtec parts on my boat. Now what? From the Rigger: As many of you know, Navtec and Hall Spars US, two of the sailboat industry’s iconic manufacturers, closed their doors permanently in 2017. For decades, these companies have provided us with high quality parts including hydraulic cylinders, Read more…
Question: What do I do if my rig fails? From the Rigger: There are few things that sailors fear more than catastrophic rig failure. Whether sailing locally or heading into open water, having a plan in place may save you, your crew and your boat. Here are a few suggestions… Read more…