Changing the RIG on my own, turned into an ORDEAL

Changing the Rigging on My Boat Turned Into an Ordeal

I decided to change the rigging on both sides of my mast. It didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped, and it took me three attempts to get everything right.Throughout this ordeal, I learned a lot about the importance of precise measurements and quality fittings. Now that it’s done, though, I’m glad I persevered and managed to save some money by doing the work myself.

Researching Past Owners and Riggers

One of the challenges I faced was trying to determine when the rigging was last changed by the past owners or riggers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a definitive answer, which left me wondering if it might be old or unreliable.

Reasoning for Changing Rigging

Despite some concerns about the age and reliability of my existing rigging, I ultimately decided to change it before going on any long trips. As someone who sails often, I want to ensure that everything is in perfect working order and without any potential issues or worries.

Components of Rigging

When changing the rigging on my boat, I used 9.5 mm diameter rope for the main sail halyard and bosen’s chair to help me reach higher areas of the mast during repairs or inspections.In addition to the main halyard, I had various other ropes and stays that needed to be replaced, including running backstays, forestay, topping lift, spare halyards, and more. These all work together to keep the mast stable and secure while sailing.

Taking apart the Rigging

Changing the rigging involved taking off all of these components one by one, making sure each piece was carefully disconnected and measured before replacing it with a new one. This process took multiple attempts and several setbacks along the way, including having to go up the mast repeatedly to check measurements and connections.

Working on the Mast

At one point, I managed to borrow a M-lift winch which made it easier for me to haul myself up the mast as needed. This device was much more efficient than relying on someone else to do it or trying to find someone who could come out to help me.

Dealing with Misaligned Parts

While working on the mast, I encountered a few problems related to misaligned parts or incorrect measurements, which resulted in some frustrating setbacks. One of the most difficult issues involved adjusting the height and angle of the spreaders on either side of the mast for optimal support and stability.

Fixing the Misaligned Parts

In order to fix this problem, I made custom extension pieces for some of the stays that connected the spreaders to the mast. This allowed me to make adjustments and align everything properly before tightening the rigging once again.

Ensuring Proper Tension

To ensure proper tension throughout the rigging, I made multiple trips up and down the mast while gradually adjusting all the connections. This careful process ensured that every component was tight enough to hold securely without putting unnecessary strain on anything else.

Replacing Chainplates

I also replaced my boat’s chain plates, which are the metal supports welded into the hull to hold everything in place. Unlike boats made of composite materials, a metal boat like mine has a better chance of lasting longer and not experiencing issues like chainplate failure, which is common in other types of boats.

Applying Tef-Gel

Throughout the entire rigging-changing process, I made sure to apply Tef-Gel where needed to help prevent any potential corrosion or seizing in joints. This non-toxic material helps keep everything lubricated and working smoothly.

Mistakes Made During the Project

In hindsight, there were definitely some mistakes I made along the way. For example, initially giving all my old wire to the rigger with specific instructions was not ideal, as it didn’t allow for enough flexibility or room for error. If I could go back and change anything, I would create more space for measurement errors and perhaps invest in higher-quality mechanical fittings like star locks.

Moving Forward

Looking forward, the most important thing for me now is to move on from this big project and tackle another one soon. The wind self-steerer sitting in my garage has been giving me trouble, so it’s time to take a break from rigging projects and focus on getting that new system up and running properly. With these recent challenges behind me, I feel more confident than ever before to keep improving and upgrading my sailing equipment.