Standing rigging at 15+ years: replace it even if it 'looks fine'?

Question

Rigger for 30 years, here's my honest take since FSBO buyers ask constantly: wire doesn't announce it's tired. Cracks hide in the swages where you can't see them. Insurance companies started asking rig age for a reason.

My rule: coastal cruiser, 15 years or 25k miles, whichever first. Offshore, 10. And ANY boat you're buying with original rigging from the 90s — price the re-rig into your offer, about $100/foot of boat length for a sloop.

newkeeler · Answer

So the '88 Catalina I'm looking at with 'original standing rigging, well maintained' in the ad…

riggerjim · Answer

@newkeeler that's a $3,000 line item in your negotiation, not a walk-away. Everything's negotiable owner-to-owner.

catalina_kate · Answer

Re-rigged mine at 22 years (oops). Two swages had hairline cracks under 10x magnification. Felt very lucky and very stupid at the same time.

Standing rigging at 15+ years: replace it even if it 'looks fine'?

3 replies