[C320-list] New Rigging /// Cost

[Rick Sulewski]

We replaced the rigging a couple of years ago on our 1995 320 after 14
seasons on Lake Erie. It cost something like $3,500 and that included moving
to a much larger backstay (weakest part of the OEM system) with new (larger)
open turnbuckles. Had a friend who dismasted by not heeding this same rigger
who recommended a new and stronger backstay on his 20 year old boat when he
replaced his forestay. Salt water sailing is a whole different deal
regarding rigging inspection, replacement and mast removal cycles.

 

All of the other OEM turnbuckles were reused.  The local rigger roll pressed
all of the new swaged fittings onto the new wire that he precut ensuring
that the wire length was a tad shorter than the OEM length. He did cut off
the old forestay and managed to install a new forestay threading it in the
furling foil and then swaged on the fitting without having to break down the
furling foil and re-assemble it or install a new foil on the new forestay.

 

While we had the same local rigger check the integrity of the system with
his inspection of the rigging every 3 years in the past, we did not bring
the mast down for 12 years. What we saved in annual mast up and down fees
covered the new rigging. I could have slipped by for another 5-7 years with
the original rigging since we are in fresh water. Now we will not remove the
mast for another 5-7 years. Since we are keeping the boat well into
retirement, we reasoned that it was time replace the rigging early and keep
all of the old rigging to rotate (all but the forestay) the next time we
bring the mast down.

 

Best advice here is to find a respected rigger who will spend the necessary
time, provide good service and stand behind his work.

 

Rick

My-Ria #277