New Rig: What else to consider?

[Tim Good]

I've never had a new rig or been through the process. I'm having someone do it entirely so likely they will advise very well but.... what sort of things would you also consider at the same time? While the spars are down would you as a matter of course replace all halyards if over 5 years old? Would you have all the wiring / connectors re. done just for the sake of it?

Tim

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I've never had a new rig or been through the process. I'm having someone do it entirely so likely they will advise very well but.... what sort of things would you also consider at the same time? While the spars are down would you as a matter of course replace all halyards if over 5 years old? Would you have all the wiring / connectors re. done just for the sake of it?

I replace halyards and wires only when needed. You could change any bulbs for LEDs if not already.

 

[Daydream believer]

I would make sure they change all the bottle screws etc
When I was quoted for my re rig i noticed they had not included them
the rigger said that these did not wear out & were re useable
however I had them changed

 

[prv]

We had the mast down a couple of years ago because the boat was going into a shed to be painted.

I replaced the main halyard and topping lift because they were knackered, but this isn't a "take the chance while the mast's down" job because they're just as easy to replace with it up (just sew the new one onto the end of the old one and pull it through).

The main reason that these halyards were knackered was because the axle for their sheaves had slipped out of place, jamming the sheaves. So I replaced that with a new axle to a better design. You probably won't have that specific problem, but worth giving things a good check over because they're a hell of a lot easier to fix on the workbench than hanging from a rope

I fitted LED units in all the lamps, the Bebi type which are soldered directly to the supply cables rather than slotting into a bulb-holder. The existing cables were standard domestic mains flex and corroded, so I replaced those. Note that Bebi have sadly been forced out of business by the Fijian government, so you can't follow exactly the same route here.

I fitted a Metz Manta antenna from Salty John, and a new cable. This is one job I very much recommend you do, as these items tend to deteriorate and reduce your VHF performance without you noticing. I used some very high quality cable (high braid coverage, and about 10mm overall diameter) to reduce loss on the long run up the mast - once inside the cabin it connects to a short length of slightly thinner (= more flexible) stuff for the run to the radio. The only downside of this installation is that we now hear a lot of French chatter in the Solent

I installed a fitting for an inner forestay. I had been intending to add one in a year or two; I'm no longer sure I'll bother now. But if I ever do, it's a quick trip up to shackle it on rather than dangling around with drills and rivet guns.

On a similar principle, I fitted a small deadeye at the masthead for a burgee halyard. Doubt I'll use it, but it was trivial to add while the masthead was on the bench, so I did.

I fitted some deck lights, as we didn't already have any. I don't like the traditional pattern, which hang under the spreaders like living-room lampshades, so I found a great alternative as described here: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?395660-Deck-Flood-replacement-bulbs&p=4741198#post4741198

You might not need or want to do all of that, but some things to think about.

Pete

 

[simonfraser]

I'd def change the lights to led.
But, they occasionally fail when 'new'
So I'd rig up a fitting lower down and run the bulbs for a while prior to fitting them.

 

[prv]

I'd def change the lights to led.
But, they occasionally fail when 'new'
So I'd rig up a fitting lower down and run the bulbs for a while prior to fitting them.

You'd hope the manufacturers would do that kind of burn-in for you...

I believe Bebi used to test each batch in a pickup truck driving up and down a dirt road in the jungle

Pete

 

[Tranona]

In addition to checking and replacing electrical items as suggested it is also a good time to check every single fitting and sheave on the mast for wear/corrosion/cracking etc. Best to get the rigger to do this and include any replacements etc in his report. Hopefully this is the last time you have the mast out for a few years so money spent on getting everything right now is a good investment. It is worth having all running rigging out, putting mousing lines in, then wash the halyards etc. This quite often shows up weaknesses in braid cordage, but if they look sound and clean, refit them. As prv says it is no big deal changing them with the mast up, unlike all the other fittings.