Sailboat Rigging Inspection & Service

Inspection frequency and replacement intervals depend on rig design, materials, vessel operation, service history, climate, manufacturer guidance, and documented condition. AMS Rigging provides written condition findings so maintenance and replacement decisions can be prioritized for the specific vessel.

Our rigging inspection covers all standing rigging (shrouds, stays, forestay, backstay), chainplates, turnbuckles, swage fittings, toggle pins, cotter pins, spreaders, mast hardware, running rigging condition, furling system operation, winch function, and all deck hardware. We provide a written report with photos and prioritized recommendations.

Yes. We measure and fabricate custom 1×19 stainless standing-rigging wire assemblies, perform custom swaging, replace terminals and related hardware, remove and install the rigging, and tune the completed system. Material and terminal selection are confirmed for the vessel and application.

We service Profurl, Harken, Seldén Mast, Schaefer Marine, Karver, and other established headsail and mainsail furling systems. Work can include inspection, adjustment, bearings, drums, foils, swivels, line lead, related rigging, and complete replacement when appropriate.

We carry Wichard (shackles, turnbuckles, snap hooks), Lewmar (winches, blocks, deck hardware), Forespar (spinnaker poles, whisker poles), Sparcraft (masts, booms, spars), and a full range of stainless steel rigging fittings and terminals.

Yes. We provide third-party rigging inspections, written reports, maintenance documentation, repair consulting, and corrective rigging work for charter sailing vessels in support of their USCG Certificate of Inspection process. Official vessel inspection and certificate decisions remain with the attending Coast Guard Marine Inspector and Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

A condition inspection helps identify visible deterioration, damage, installation concerns, and service priorities before an offshore passage, but it is not a guarantee against failure. We inspect accessible fittings, swages, turnbuckles, chainplates, standing and running rigging, furling equipment, and mast hardware, then document findings and recommended repairs or monitoring.

Look for broken wire strands ('meat hooks'), rust staining or discoloration on swage fittings, cracks in turnbuckle bodies, elongated or deformed clevis pins, and any looseness in chainplate bolts. In Southwest Florida's UV and salt environment, stainless steel rigging degrades faster than in northern waters. If your rigging is over 10 years old and hasn't been inspected recently, schedule one before your next sail.