Sail Rig Inspection....

Sail Rig inspection guidance from the USCG Sector Honolulu Inspection Note Number 13

- Weekly - all rigging hardware at deck level be thorough cleaned and rinsed.

- Monthly - a thorough inspection of all rigging equipment.

- Annual – a comprehensive (mast standing) inspection of mast and rigging system with rigging slacked off, turnbuckles opened and lubricated with rigging properly tension and re-tuned.

- Every six (6) years - mast removal and disassembly of all components for comprehensive inspection.

- Replacement of stainless fittings every five (5) to ten (10) years for vessels operating in the tropics.

- The USCG Sector Honolulu Inspection Note Number 13 refers to a six (6) year “cycle” – Replace wire every 6 years, terminal fittings every twelve (12) years, and chain plates every eighteen (18) years. This may be as a result of the “tropics” and the beating it gives to stainless steel rigging. Mariners have all seen rigs that are well over ten (10) years old that appear to be in serviceable condition. A conservative estimate may be to use the “six year cycle” for those vessels operating in the tropics. Then move to possibly an “eight year cycle for those operating on the “coasts”. With a “ten year cycle” for those vessels that are used in the northern climates.

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