Rig Check - Pre Passage
Posted on 30/07/2019 by John Martin
Typical Mast arrangement.
Cracking in the Swage
This is how it ends up and will soon fail!
Oops
Multi Strand Wire Failure
Pre-Passage Rig Check
While it's still a few months before the end of the Cruising Season in the South Pacific many of you will be starting to think about "What Next". If your plans include a passage south to New Zealand then taking into account many of you will have done some hard yards coming across the Pacific or getting where you are now from other ports, before doing the passage south a thorough rig check is a must. Compliments of Northland Spars and Rigging in Opua New Zealand they've kindly allowed us to reproduce their rig check pro forma here.
From Northland Spars and Rigging.
The most important part of a rig check is the attitude you bring to it. You must get into “survey mode”. Keep in mind the following:
If it is fastened, it will try to undo itself,
If it touches something it will chafe itself or something else,
If it is slack it will try to slag something,
If it is metal it will try to corrode itself or what it is attached to.
Your rigging should be checked thoroughly once a season. Here's a taster for you below, for the full pdf Rig Check Form please tap HERE
If you do find something serious NSR can fabricate and courier to the Islands a replacement, usually within a week. See Rig Check Form for contact details.
DECK LEVEL
|
Inspection Area |
Action |
Comments |
√ |
|
Mast Setting |
Check that the mast is straight in column. Note any forward leaning |
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Rig Tension |
Check for slack. Checkforestay for sag |
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Standing Wire |
Check for rust and broken strands at the top of the swages Check that each wire is terminated with a split ring or cotter pin Clean any rust |
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|
Stay Terminal |
Check for swelling or cracks. Clean any rust |
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Rigging Screws/Swages |
Check for swelling or cracks. Clean any rust |
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Turnbuckles |
Check for swelling or cracks. Clean any rust |
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Chainplates |
Check for swelling or cracks. Check clevis pins Clean any rust |
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Mast Base |
Check for corrosion or cracks. Clean any rust |
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The full Rig Check form is 6 pages.
PLEASE NOTE.
This information is published as a guide only. Northland Spars and Rigging Ltd accepts no responsibility for damage or loss to any vessel.
INSPECT BEFORE CLEANING ANY RUST. RUST SPOTS CAN INDICATE CRACKS OR SPLIT WIRES.
Tools you will need: Screw driver, magnifying glass, needle nose pliers, adjustable wrench, metal cleaner and rag, pencil for notes and Patience!