Rigging Inspections

Level 1 – Deck Inspection

• Chainplates, turnbuckles, swage fittings, and toggles at the deck.
• Wire condition.
• Fittings and mast tubing.
• Appendages such as roller furlers and spinnaker poles; also includes lazy jacks.
• Spreader angle.
• Function of all deck hardware is tested.
• Stanchions and lifelines are checked.

Level 2 – Aloft Inspection
(Level 1 plus full aloft inspection)

• All standing and running rigging with emphasis on wire and line chafing.
• Sheaves and blocks.
• Inspection for fitting wear, fractures and corrosion.
• Condition of welds at mast head and spreader bases along with the gooseneck fitting.
• General mast extrusion condition and tuning of the rig and spreaders.
• Clevis pins and connecting points throughout the rig.
• Running rigging such as winches and cam cleats.
• Mounting hardware.
• Operation of all mast lights is confirmed.

Dye reveals a fracture

Swage fitting looks okay…

A Level-1 rigging inspection is included with the Pre-Purchase survey and Insurance survey. It is completed at deck level only using a monocular from the vessel and dock. This inspection covers general observations and function of the rigging. A Level-2 Rigging inspection is completed aloft using a bosons chair.

The Level-2 rigging inspection is a complete inspection of all rigging which includes the surveyor going aloft. A full level 2 service takes several hours of time to perform and will require an additional fee. It may not always be able to be completed on the same day as a pre-purchase survey. Any vessel with rigging over ten years old, rigging that has not had a Level-2 inspection completed in the past five years, or rigging on a vessel expected to go offshore in the near future should have a Level-2 inspection completed. Additionally, if a vessel is heading offshore and has not had its mast removed and inspected in the past 10 years, it is recommended that a Level-2 inspection is completed. Please note that in some cases insurance companies are now requiring Level-2 rigging inspections be performed prior to insuring a vessel.

We do provide prioritized recommendations/ findings for service needed on all reports. There are several rigging companies that can perform the above services, but be aware that they are typically completed with an ulterior motive to sell rigging. We are not a repair company so our inspections are not biased.

Dye Testing Available

We also offer dye testing when needed. Dye testing, also known as a Magnaflux test, is designed to display fractures in metal so they are visible to the human eye. Dye testing may be suggested in cases of possible damage to a mast. We have performed dye testing for many of the local rigging shops and boatyards.