do people really replace running rigging every 10 years?

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Grisholm

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Do people really replace their running rigging every 10 years? I'm thinking of buying a boat that has never had it's running rigging replaced since new 20 years ago - will I have to replace it?
 
In my opinion, if the rig is 'low tension' then it should be checked and replace any parts of the rigging that show signs of excessive wear. Depending of the type of yacht (racing, cruising, coastal, ocean etc), some insurance companies insist of replacing the standing rigging if over 10 years old; some insurance companies require to undertake a survey instead, and to replace whatever is necessary.
 
The standing rigging on my boat is 18 years old. I had it inspected this summer by a rigging company who issued me a statement that it was all in a satisfactory condition. That said, it’s on the list for replacement within the next 2 years, more for my peace of mind than because there are signs of physical deterioration.

EDIT....
Just read through the other posts and also the OPs post..... Clearly need to have another coffee before replying...
RUNNING rigging..... I replace running rigging as and when it starts looking worn and tatty. So, in 9 years with this boat, I’ve replaced the mainsheet twice, genoa sheets once (new ones next year), reefing lines once, halyards once.
 
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It is assumed that you mean standing rigging and not ropes. I had mine replaced this year after 19'years. The boat has not been raced and in the last 12 years of my ownership has not been heavily used. A as I was going abroad again and sailing with grandchildren I thought it should be done. Peace of mind. Get it looked at.
 
If the boat is 20 years old, I would assume that it should be replaced and factor that into your offer/costs.
 
Mine is 10 years old this year (replaced just before I bought Khamsin)
I'm no expert, but all looks ok apart from guard rails where they go through the stanchions; minor rust apparent where the plastic covering has chaffed. They will be replaced next season.

My problem is I'm 70+ miles from the nearest rigger (AFAIK) and I have not been instructed to replace by my Insurer.
The boat is staying in the water this winter so I don't feel like de-rigging and leaving the mast up while she's afloat! We don't have a plethora of boatyards up here!

As posted above, I'm sure all will be well for a while yet, but "niggling doubt" will increase as time goes on. :(
 
AFAIK, there is no way of detecting imminent failure by inspection alone as some strands are not visible so may be damaged unseen. This leaves us with time based replacement and every ten years is a nice round figure and as good as any. This doesn't mean rigging is going to fail at ten years and one day but presumably there is some statistical basis for it.
I replaced mine when I bought my boat on the advice of the surveyor who said that it would be advisable in the absence of any evidence of when it had last been renewed. Standing rigging is a fundamental part of the boat and failure can be catastrophic and always serious so I think you should err on the side of caution not economy.
 
The condition of running rigging can usually be assessed by the use of No 1 eyeball.
Assuming that the OP did in fact mean running rigging, it is surely unfortunate that posters immediately branched off into standing rigging, which is a different animal.
 
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NormanS said:
Assuming that the OP did in fact mean running rigging, it is surely unfortunate that posters immediately branched off into running rigging, which is a different animal.
Click to expand...

Priceless, Norman. Perhaps revise after another coffee? ;)

NormanS said:
The condition of running rigging can usually be assessed by the use of No 1 eyeball.
Click to expand...

I find No2 just as useful. Perhaps you meant Mk1?
 
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I have just replaced a lot of the running rigging on my boat. The main and genoa halliards, which were wire-to-rope I believe to be the originals - so 45 years old. The (wire) topping lift is still original.

However the more exposed rigging such as the spinnaker halliard, the main and genoa sheets, get very tatty and so are replaced at about a 10 year interval - maybe less for the Genoa sheets that get the most wear.

It is worth checking the rigging every year or so and replacing it if it needs it.
 
In my experience of running a boat built in 1974, I find replacing everything in the boat around the running rigging is far more effective. I rewhipped mine this year, which should extend their life for another 40 odd years.
 
Yes, it's still early in the morning. I have edited my post. We still need clarification from the OP as to which "rigging" he means.
 
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