Rigging & Sails
Masts, standing rigging and sail care. Explore step-by-step checklists, practical tips and important precautions before you work on your boat.
Guides in this topic
Choose a guide to read the full steps.
How to Inspect Standing Rigging from Deck Level
Spot visible wear on shrouds, terminals, chainplates and turnbuckles.
Read the guideHow to Inspect Sails for Chafe and Damage
Find small sail problems before they become costly failures.
Read the guideHow to Inspect Halyards and Sheets for Chafe
Find wear at clutches, sheaves and high-load turns before a line fails.
Read the guideHow to Check Headsail Furling Gear
Review furling line routing, drum condition and sail behavior without forcing a jam.
Read the guideHow to Inspect Standing Rigging From the Deck
Recognize visible wire, rod and fitting concerns before calling a rigger.
Read the guideHow to Inspect Sail Stitching and UV Covers
Find fraying and sun damage while repairs are still small.
Read the guideHow to Secure Sails Before a Major Storm
Reduce windage and the chance of sail deployment during severe weather.
Read the guideHow to Recognize Chainplate Corrosion Warning Signs
Know which visible rigging attachments deserve professional assessment.
Read the guideWhy Is My Mainsail Hard to Hoist or Lower?
Investigate sail slides, track alignment and halyard friction without forcing a jam.
Read the guideHow to Recognize Worn Mast Sheaves From Deck Level
Use halyard symptoms to decide when a rigging inspection is needed.
Read the guideHow to Check a Headsail Furling Drum for Line Overfill
Avoid binding from incorrect line diameter, routing or excess wraps.
Read the guide