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A Deeper Look at Top Down/ Spinnaker Furlers

ByThe Rigging Company

Top down furling is the new revolution that makes flying the big sails a much more achievable task. However, nothing is just push a button and ‘bang’ there’s your spinnaker. Although this system makes it much more viable to fly a spinnaker there is still a learning curve. This system is all about set up…

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Hood SL Foresail Furlers

ByThe Rigging Company

When shopping for headsail furlers one can find a wide variety manufacturers such as: Pro Furl, Facnor, Harken, Hood, Bamar, Schaefer, Reckmann, Reefit, CDI; as well as a wide variety of prices. So where does quality and low pricing find a happy marriage? How can one possibly make a decision that’s worthwhile with all of…

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The Integral Backstay Adjuster

ByThe Rigging Company

Integral backstay adjusters can play a big role in how a boat sails. Being able to adjust the backstay tension from the pump of a handle can be useful on cruisers just as much as racers. We all need to make general changes to the boats trim depending on wind and wave conditions in order…

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Reeving Halyards

ByThe Rigging Company

Some people are daunted by the task of attempting to run-in or reeve new lines which run internally or cannot be easily accessed. Halyards for instance present the problem of, “how do I get the old one out and the new one in?”. Let’s address some technicalities first… ~Not all eye splices are created equally….

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The Dreaded Halyard Swivel!

ByThe Rigging Company

~You may find that I am poking a bit with this one. Perhaps the British might call it “a bit cheeky”, but I assure you it is all in good fun… THE HALYARD SWIVEL I just wanted to take a minute and chime-in on the “halyard swivel phenomenon” that has (apparently) taken the sailing world by storm. I…

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It’s a New Year…

ByThe Rigging Company

at … …and we have recently moved to a new location!! That’s right, we’ve moved, but don’t worry, we’re not far. Actually, we are now even closer to you than before ;-0). The new location is still within the same complex as always, BUT you can now see us from the road (Edgewood Rd.). The Annapolis Maritime…

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Inspecting Your Mast and Rigging

ByThe Rigging Company

Your sailboat rigging should be thoroughly checked once a season. The best way to do this is by pulling the mast or masts out of the boat and running down a check list. One can also spot most major problems from a bosun’s chair, and if done regularly, is generally more cost effective. It is…

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US Sailboat Show, Annapolis

ByThe Rigging Company

It’s Boat Show Time and we are back at it again. Please come see us, ask us questions and see what we have to Offer. Mention this Blog and receive a voucher for a FREE Rig Tune and Rigging Inspection. Thanks and see you at the show.    

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Spar Finishes

ByThe Rigging Company

Today’s spars are usually made of composite carbon fiber or aluminum extrusions. Both of these mast materials, just like old wooden masts, require a finish. Whereas wooden masts were typically coated with a clear varnish, they could also be found painted. These more traditional finishes were typically brush applied or rolled and tipped. Spray finishes became…

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Views From Aloft

ByThe Rigging Company

A beautiful day in Friendship, Maryland Click the image for a better view! We went aloft on this completely re-rigged Beneteau 411 to cover tang holes. The birds were making their way-in and building a nest. Who wouldn’t, those are some big holes that make a great front door. “Come on in” We used black…