How to Measure and Replace Yacht Rigging: A Comprehensive Guide

Replacing standing rigging on a yacht may seem daunting, but following a structured approach can make the process manageable. Whether you choose to replace rigging with the mast up or down, accurate measurements and careful planning are essential.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring and Replacing Yacht and Dinghy Rigging

1. Decide Whether to Work with the Mast Up or Down

• Mast Down: If time and resources allow, lowering the mast simplifies the process. It provides better access for inspection and measurement.
• Mast Up: If the mast remains stepped, each wire should be ordered slightly over-long, with the top terminal swaged. The bottom end can be finished in situ using a swage less terminal.

2. Inspect Existing Rigging

• Check for signs of wear, corrosion, and deformation.
• Take photos and mark tension settings for reference.
• Consider any design or specification alterations.

3. Gather Measurement Tools

• Tape measure or calibrated ruler
• Tension gauge for assessing wire tension
• Notepad or digital device for recording measurements

4. Measuring Standing Rigging

• Forestay & Backstay: Measure from the masthead attachment point to the deck fitting.
• Shrouds: Measure from the mast attachment point to the chainplate.
• Turnbuckles & Terminals: Include their lengths in your measurements.
• Rigging Screws: Ensure adjustment range is considered.
• Measuring Wire Diameter
  • Use vernier calipers to measure the wire diameter.
  • Ensure the correct diameter is recorded, as terminals are manufactured to fit specific wire sizes.
• Measuring Rigging Length
  • Lay the rigging flat and taut.
  • Measure from bearing surface to bearing surface (e.g., from the eye of one terminal to the eye of the opposite terminal).
  • The bearing edge is the point/surface at the end of a termination that will take the load i.e. the inside edge of an eye.
  • Examples of this are shown below:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  • If ordering rigging with a rigging screw or turnbuckle, measure the full assembly with screws fully closed unless otherwise specified.
  • Our website will accept a length to 3 decimal points. However, this is not usually practicable. We aim to produce your rigging to a tolerance of + or - the diameter of the wire
  • Please take extra care when ordering because once a custom built product has been started (cut) it can neither be cancelled nor returned for a refund.

5. Ordering Replacement Rigging

• If the mast is down, each wire can be ordered with swaged terminals at both ends.
• If the mast remains stepped, the bottom terminal should be fitted in situ using a swage less terminal.

6. Rigging Checklist

• Tune and tension check on existing rigging.
• Close inspection of all components, including measuring diameters.
• Determine possible improvements.
• Order process for mast unstepped vs. mast remaining stepped.

7. Installation Considerations

• If replacing rigging screws, ensure compatibility with existing fittings.
• Consider split, adjustable, or insulated backstays.
• Account for forestay foibles caused by headsail furler fittings.

Conclusion

Accurate rigging measurements and careful planning ensure a smooth replacement process. Alternatively, please consult our rigging experts at Martin Leaning Masts & Rigging or use our CUSTOM RIGGING CALCULATOR.