Mast down opportunity

[Tex]

I have the mast down in order to replace standing rigging.
Any suggestions as to anything else I should do or fit whilst I have this opportunity?

 

[VicS]

Running rigging ?? Including condition of all sheaves

Check all wiring

Change tricolour, all-round white, and steaming light to LEDs

Check or replace the VHF antenna and other aerials

Inspect the entire mast and spreaders .

 

[NormanS]

Fit steps, preferably the folding ones.

 

[vyv_cox]

Rather than checking the wiring as suggested by VicS, I would replace it. The cost is not huge but it is a job done far more easily with the mast on the ground. In some cases, mine was one, a couple of wires were taped together, which would have been very difficult to sort out hanging in a bosun's chair.

I fully agree with changing bulbs to LEDs but ensure the connections are totally sound, if simply replacing incandescent bulbs. I had to climb my mast several times to 'wiggle' bulbs to remake bad contacts, sometimes for them to go out again within a very short time.

Some older shroud T-ball fittings were badly designed, leading to cracks in both the fitting and its socket on the mast. Make sure that the new rigging will fit the sockets and if retaining them, inspect them and the mast around them very carefully for cracks.

 

[Stemar]

Fit lazyjacks, if you haven't already got them. If you have, check them for wear, especially at any blocks you can't reach with the mast up.

(Experience is something you gain just after you needed it!) :ambivalence:

 

[Fantasie 19]

Running rigging ?? Including condition of all sheaves

Check all wiring

Change tricolour, all-round white, and steaming light to LEDs

Check or replace the VHF antenna and other aerials

Inspect the entire mast and spreaders .

+1

Also, deck light?

 

[chrisclin]

+1

Also, deck light?

Having fitted a deck/steaming light last year while the mast was down, I strongly advise waiting for the mast to be up before running the wiring. It was an absolute nightmare trying to run a mousing line from halfway along the mast without gravity to help!