Sailboat rigging: What is the best way to tune it?

Is it best to tune your sailboat rigging on the hard or back on the water? Marine surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies answers readers' questions

Where is the best place to tune your sailboat rigging? Credit: Colin Work

TAGS: Maintenance rigging

Is it best to tune your sailboat rigging on the hard or back on the water?

My Contessa 26 has been lifted out for the winter, but I will need to tune my rigging ahead of the sailing season.

Is it best to do this while the boat is still on the hard or wait until it is back in the water?

Is there an easy way to tune my rigging?

Louisa Moore

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies responds:

This is a really interesting question.

In my view, anything like rigging or shaft alignment should always be done with the craft afloat.

With regards to tuning, it depends on what the owner is intending on doing during the season.

A proper rig check should consider the age of the wire, chainplate, back stay and fore stay security.

Continues below…

Boat rigging: a guide to going composite

‘Like the shift from wooden spars to alloy spars after the Second World War, we are moving to carbon spars…

How to check your rigging – video guide

A screwdriver, a straight edge and a good set of eyes are all that’s required for a basic rig check.…

Tony's homemade mast steps are still going strong after two circumnavigations of the world. Credit: Tony Curphey

Expert advice: sails and rigging

Sails and rigging are the engine room of any sailing boat from small dinghies up to giant superyachts. No matter…

A sailor pulling on a rope around a winch on a boat

Rope, rigging & deck gear: how to choose the right rope

Rope continues to develop every year. We take a look at the plethora of options on the market

Make sure you check the mast step for compression issues.

There are several really good and quite reasonably priced books on setting up the rigging; for the more serious you will need to buy a proper rigger’s gauge.

These can range in price from a couple of hundred pounds to £800-£900.

Often it is better to pay a rigger for a check and set up so you have some peace of mind.

Submit your questions to our experts by emailing yachtingmonthly@futurenet.com

The Question of the Month wins a bottle of Chilgrove Gin (UK residents only)

Bluewater Edition ultra-premium gin is made by sailors in the Sussex Downs, who blend the finest botanicals with a neutral grape spirit

www.chilgrovespirits.com (RRP £39.95)

Enjoyed reading Sailboat rigging: What is the best way to tune it?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

- - Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
  - Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
  - Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations