Preparing for the 2012 Season - Rigging Inspections & Replacements

The 2012 season is rapidly approaching, so it is time to start dealing with the projects that you have been putting off.

With Insurance Companies becoming more concerned with the condition of aging equipment on a great many of the boats they insure, rigging inspections and replacements are becoming a fact of life. We regularly complete inspections and replacements of both standing and running rigging, and people are always surprised at how affordable these projects can be. So if your insurance company is asking for a Rigging Inspection, or if you have been considering replacing some of the gear on your boat, please give us a call.

We sell and service a wide range of gear, and are always interested in discussing projects you are considering, whether large or small. Sometimes the changes that you have been plotting while sailing in the summer are easier than you might think.

The other area that I have been talking to a lot of customers about this year is making things easier. We are all getting older, and raising and lowering sails is becoming a bigger chore. I have a furling boom on my cruising boat, and everywhere I go people come and ask how I like it. The answer is always the same – I love it. We never leave the dock without raising the main; it takes no time to put it up and about 30 seconds to take it down. There is no sail cover or flaking – just roll it up and that’s it. The other thing I love is that you get a real main with full battens that is easy to reef. If a furling boom is not in your budget there are lots of other options, such as installing a batten car system of some sort and a stacking style boom cover. These will make raising your sail easier, but the big gain is taking it down – you will be amazed at how easily your main comes down.

If you have plans to upgrade or improve the way your boat is rigged I am always happy to discuss the options with you.

Steve White