Sailboat Maintenance - How to Rig Everything in Your Favor

ADVICE and INSIGHT for BOAT OWNERS

Apr 5, 2024

We proudly introduce Hands-On Sailor, Cruising World's NEW weekly newsletter devoted to providing our subscribers with the tools, insight and knowledge to successfully handle all aspects of boat ownership. Join us as we navigate a vast range of topics pertinent to the “hands-on” boat owner, from vessel upkeep and DIY projects, to better boathandling techniques, safety at sea, gear, electronics, ownership advice and more. Set sail with confidence as we chart a course toward smarter decisions and a richer cruising lifestyle. —Andrew Parkinson, editor-in-chief

Sailboat Maintenance

How to Rig Everything in Your Favor

Learning how to inspect for small rigging problems can stop them from becoming bigger ones after you’ve left the dock.

Let’s Get Started

Seamanship

3 Clutch Sails For Peak Performance

Spinnakers, staysails and gollywobblers can boost a boat’s speed, along with the crew’s spirits.

Learn More

DIY Projects

How To De-Winterize Your Diesel Engine

Use this checklist to navigate the basics of the diesel de-winterization process this spring.

See the List

Electronics News

C-Map Updates North America Charts

C-Map, which makes digital marine cartography and cloud-based mapping, has issued what it calls a “major update” to its North America charts.

See What's Changed

HANDS-ON TIP OF THE WEEK

To avoid rust, store your tools in plastic boxes or blow-molded cases, which will provide protection against drippage and salt air, especially if your tools are well-oiled. Choose your box/case carefully—not all shed water; some use a split lid; others will leak through the handle, and others around the lid perimeter. I have occasionally opened one to find that dripping water had entered the box, allowing the tools within to be bathed in water, causing them to form a monolithic mass of rust. One of my plastic toolboxes has a gasketed and cam-action clamped lid, which is designed to shed water and spray alike, and it’s pretty much waterproof. —Steve D’Antonio

STORIES THAT MIGHT COME IN HANDY

Maintenance

Fiberglass Repair Tips

When carrying out fiberglass work, it's important to know the distinction between primary and secondary bonds.

Read More

Fatty Goodlander

The Pros and Cons of Turning Back

The decision to abandon a voyage can be caused by seamanship or safety issues—or is it a situation that can be handled?

Read More

Buying & Selling

Sailboat Brokerage Market Softens Slightly

Sailboats are still moving quickly through the market, say brokers, but FY 2023 showed fewer instances of immediate, full-price sales.

Read More

WE ASKED...

What part of winterizing your boat do you least look forward to?

Personally, I find the process of removing and stowing away the sails quite challenging—it's a real workout and always tests my patience. —Emma L., Seaside, OR

Winterizing the boat's engine and plumbing systems is a task I dread. Dealing with antifreeze and making sure everything is properly protected takes a good chunk of time. —Jackson M., Newport, RI

Cleaning and treating the hull is something I least look forward to. It's not just about the effort; it's also about wanting to ensure my boat looks pristine despite the winter weather. —Olivia H., Everett, WA

Covering and securing the boat for winter is a meticulous task that I find mentally exhausting. Making sure it's well-protected from snow and ice requires careful attention to detail. —Braden J., Chicago, IL

Personally, the rigging is my least favorite part of winterizing. Detaching and inspecting each component feels like a never-ending process, but I know it's crucial for the boat's well-being. —Lily W., Kennebunkport, ME

BROKERAGE DEALS OF THE WEEK