Yacht Rig Inspections in Portsmouth & Across the Solent

A professional rig inspection can identify wear, corrosion, damage and potential problems before they develop into more serious failures.

Based at Port Solent in Portsmouth, Martin Leaning Masts & Rigging provides yacht rig inspections throughout the Solent, including Portsmouth, Gosport, Southampton, Hamble, Hayling Island, Emsworth, Chichester Harbour and the Isle of Wight.

Our experienced riggers inspect the mast, standing rigging, running rigging and associated equipment, with the findings recorded in a written rig inspection report supported by photographs where appropriate.

Professional Yacht Rig Checks

A yacht's rig is a complete system. An inspection therefore involves considerably more than simply looking at the stainless-steel shrouds and stays.

Where accessible, our riggers inspect the mast, standing and running rigging, terminals, spars, furling equipment and associated fittings for signs of wear, corrosion, cracking, movement or damage.

Particular attention is given to areas where high loads, movement, dissimilar metals or difficult-to-see fittings can contribute to deterioration.

What Do We Check During a Rig Inspection?

A typical yacht rig inspection can include:

• Masthead attachments – bolts, welds, fittings and attachment points.
• Masthead equipment – navigation lights, antennas, wind instruments and associated fittings.
• Shroud and stay terminals – checking for cracking, corrosion, distortion and wear.
• Standing rigging – shrouds and stays checked for damage, pitting, broken strands, corrosion and general condition.
• Rig tension and mast setup – checking general tension, mast rake and bend where appropriate.
• Spreaders and brackets – attachment points, spreader roots, tips, fastenings, corrosion and wear.
• Running rigging – halyards, sheets and control lines checked for chafe, wear and deterioration.
• Sheaves and halyard exits – checking condition, rotation, wear and corrosion.
• Gooseneck and kicker brackets – checking attachment points, pins, movement and wear.
• Boom and kicker fittings – checking for corrosion, damage and excessive wear.
• Reefing and furling systems – condition, operation, wear and visible signs that servicing or repair may be required.
• Deck equipment – including relevant winches, clutches, blocks and turning gear.
• Guardwires – checking condition, tension, terminals and signs of damage.

The exact scope will depend on the yacht, rig configuration and accessibility of individual components.

Why Have Your Yacht Rig Inspected?

Standing rigging, spars and fittings operate under considerable load and are continuously exposed to salt water, weather, movement and cyclic loading.

Some deterioration can be obvious, while other problems occur around terminals, fittings and connection points that are much less noticeable from deck level.

A rig inspection is particularly useful when:

• the age or maintenance history of the rig is uncertain;
• you have recently purchased a yacht;
• you are planning an extended passage or cruising programme;
• you have noticed corrosion, movement, unusual noises or visible wear;
• the yacht has experienced an incident or unusually high rig loads;
• you want to understand the condition of the rig before planning maintenance or replacement.

Rig Tension and Mast Setup

Correct rig tension is important both for the performance of the yacht and for the condition of the mast and rigging.

Rigging that is excessively loose can allow unnecessary movement and shock loading, while excessive tension can introduce unnecessary loads into the mast, rigging and yacht structure.

As part of an inspection we can assess the general mast setup and rig tension and advise where adjustment or further investigation may be appropriate.

Written Rig Inspection Reports

Following the inspection, we provide a written rig report detailing faults or areas requiring attention, supported by relevant photographs where appropriate.

If repair, servicing or replacement work is required, our rigging team can discuss the available options and provide an estimate for the work.

Martin Leaning Masts & Rigging also provides a full range of yacht rigging services, including standing rigging, running rigging, mast and boom work, furling systems and rig setup.

Rig Inspections Across the Solent

Our location at Port Solent, Portsmouth gives us convenient access to many of the major sailing centres, marinas, boatyards and yacht clubs around the Solent and Chichester Harbour.

Portsmouth and Port Solent – yacht rig inspections throughout Portsmouth Harbour and the surrounding marinas.

Gosport – covering yachts and sailing facilities on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour.

Southampton and Hamble – including the major marinas and boatyards around Southampton Water and the River Hamble.

Hayling Island, Emsworth and Chichester Harbour – covering yachts throughout the eastern Solent and Chichester Harbour area.

Isle of Wight – rig inspections and associated rigging work can also be arranged for yachts based on the island.

If your yacht is elsewhere on the South Coast, please contact us to discuss the location and the work required.

Arrange a Yacht Rig Inspection

If you would like the condition of your mast and rigging checked, speak to the Martin Leaning Masts & Rigging team.

We can arrange an inspection, discuss any particular concerns you have and advise on any repair, servicing or replacement work identified.