Ball park number for rigging replacement

[Dmk56]

I'm looking around for what will be my first sailboat. What I'm looking for is something in the 27-32ft range, deep keeled. I'm going to assume that at the very least, I'll need to replace all the rigging. What would be a ball-park number for having that done on a sloop or cutter rig?

I want to make sure there is enough left in the kitty after buying the boat to make any immediate repairs/upgrades.

[Rex Delay]

Complete replacement of standing (rod) and running rig on 36' sloop = $15k.

[Dmk56]

Wow, glad I asked!

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Part of it depends on whether you're going to do it yourself or hire it out to someone else.

I did the standing rigging on my boat myself with materials/shipping costs being just under $1500. I haven't done any of the running rigging yet.

[Dmk56]

Thanks Rhapsody! I'm assuming worst-case in case it's something I don't have time for. Been following your work on your Nor'Sea - looking for one of those myself!

[Paul Annapolis]

Why don't you call a rigger? It depends on many, many factors but sure, you could spend a few thousand and you could spend perhaps 10 or 15 thousand. But it's not just rigging---you ask a much bigger question and my answer is that while many can afford to buy a boat, not all of those can afford to own and maintain that boat. If you are buying an older fixer upper, you could spend two to three times the purchase price to really get her in shape. You mat still end up with a terrific boat for a lot less money than another boat...or you may overspend....tread carefully and hire a pro to advise you.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by Dmk56

Thanks Rhapsody! I'm assuming worst-case in case it's something I don't have time for. Been following your work on your Nor'Sea - looking for one of those myself!

Thanks. Are you on the Nor'sea Owners Group? Some boats sell through there without listing on other sites.

I've been working on my engine lately so I haven't posted any updates in a while.

What other boats are you considering as part of the rigging work? or just more hypothetical?

[Jcolman]

I had all the standing rigging replaced last year on my 30' C&C. Total cost was about $4500 including labor.

[skipmac]

I recently purchased all new rigging for my 42' cutter for about $3600. That included not only all new wire and terminals but also toggles, turnbuckles and chainplates for the shrouds. This is DIY but the rigger said they would do the installation (except the chainplates) for a few hundred so whole job would be about $4000. Don't know about
rod which may be a different ball game.

This was using top quality components from a high end supplier.

[Paul J. Nolan]

Originally Posted by Paul Annapolis

Why don't you call a rigger? It depends on many, many factors but sure, you could spend a few thousand and you could spend perhaps 10 or 15 thousand. But it's not just rigging---you ask a much bigger question and my answer is that while many can afford to buy a boat, not all of those can afford to own and maintain that boat. If you are buying an older fixer upper, you could spend two to three times the purchase price to really get her in shape. You mat still end up with a terrific boat for a lot less money than another boat...or you may overspend....tread carefully and hire a pro to advise you.

Good advice!

You will be much better off finding a boat in excellent condition than buying a project and fixing her up. You could easily pour thirty into an Alberg 30 if a yard does the work. You'd have a wonderful boat, but it would be worth no more than 20 grand, in my opinion. Much better to buy the Alberg 30 for $20k from the man (or his widow) who spent thirty grand rebuilding her.

And no rod rigging on a cruising boat.

Paul

[redsky49]

Originally Posted by Paul J. Nolan

Good advice!

You will be much better off finding a boat in excellent condition than buying a project and fixing her up. You could easily pour thirty into an Alberg 30 if a yard does the work. You'd have a wonderful boat, but it would be worth no more than 20 grand, in my opinion. Much better to buy the Alberg 30 for $20k from the man (or his widow) who spent thirty grand rebuilding her.

And no rod rigging on a cruising boat.

Paul

No rod rigging???

If in the budget, why not? I have cruised a couple boats (more like performance cruisers or cruiser/racers) which did quite well, thank you, with rod rigging.

[Jim Cate]

And no rod rigging on a cruising boat.

Hmmm... lots of Valiant 40's came with rod rigging...

Jim

[rbyham]

Bombay Pilothouse 31 all new wire and marine eyes. Reused turnbuckles. Two uppers and four lowers with split backstay. Did the measuring myself and sent numbers to riggingonly.com Had it all back in a week. Fit perfect. Sent a buddy up the mast for two hours to uninstall/install... total price just under $1000. Wire was 1/4"

[UNCIVILIZED]

Given that the boat's unknown to you, then it makes sense to inspect ALL of her rigging components.
From the tangs, & tang bolts, through each piece, all of the way down to the chainplates & mast step. As well as all of your spar's electrical wiring/systems, & conduit for same, in the mast. Plus, sheaves & exit boxes. Condition of halyards & other running rigging. Deck hardware. Etcetra.

So while you can get a decent estimate on the basics of replacing the rigging (running & standing) at http://www.riggingandhardware.com/ (Rigging Only). Said components are only part of the equation.

Thus, before you buy a boat, such is the reasoning behind having a professional rigging inspection done. In addition to checking over as much of these things yourself, as you can, too.

[Xthewater]

Standing rigging for our Cape Dory 31 cutter rig $1500 all new fittings but removed and replaced myself. Took it all to a rigger while mast was down. Running rigging yet to be done. Either have the time or the money having both is rare.