All rigs should be checked and maintained regularly. The rig and sails are your boat’s “engine” and as with all engines, the fittings should be checked at least twice a year. Are your rigging screws starting to fail? Are all treads and pins intact? Cleaning the fittings and adding fresh lubricant, will extend the lifetime of your rig.
A rig’s lifetime depends upon the standard of maintenance, however as a general rule, your boat needs to be de-rigged and inspected, at least every other year. A qualified inspector should inspect a wire rig after 10-15 years and a rod rig after 5-8 years.
