RIGGING

 

Our full-service rigging shop is the one stop solution to all your rigging needs.  We have the skill set, the facilities and the man power to handle any jobs in rigging.  Our customers range from small sport boats to 80’ luxury cruising catamarans and everything in-between.  Our team can remove rigs up to 150' and inspect, diagnose, repair or replace most any component of your rigging.

 

Running Rigging

Running rigging (along with sails) are the most consumable aspect of any sailboat.  Sun, salt, moisture and chafing all take their toll on your running rigging every season.  Our world class rigging shop is a dealer for all the top brands in rigging, including New England Ropes, Marlow, Tylaska, Wichard, Harken and KZ Furl to name a few.  For the racing enthusiasts, we stock materials for any sheet, halyard or line you need.  We have the unique ability to build you anything you have blown up or can dream up with same day turnaround available.  We are also the only shop between Newport and Annapolis with the ability and facilities to build Ultrawire rigging in-house.  For the cruising sailor or occasional sailor, we also stock a full selection of lower tech lines to accommodate any budget, and are also happy to repair damaged rigging in otherwise good condition.

 

Standing Rigging

Standing rigging is far more durable than running rigging, but it still does need periodic maintenance to keep it functioning properly.  We offer man-aloft rig inspections, but strongly recommend the rig come out and be full disassembled every 3 years at a minimum to properly inspect everything.  We handle all aspects of the rig removal from disconnecting, unstepping, disassembly, inspection, replacement of any damaged components, storage, cleaning, re-lubrication, and re-stepping.  We communicate with you along the way to let you know what we discover, and our recommendations on how to best fix it.  Upon commissioning, we put your rig back to the exact tune it was when it was taken out or we can re-tune it for your next adventure.

 

Rigging Systems

Rigging systems encompass all the rest of the things that make your boat move under sail power, including items such as furlers, in-haulers, clutches, purchase systems, hydraulics, winches, and more.  Our capabilities to build, service and repair these systems are nearly endless.  We are also industry leaders in developing new rigging systems, and our riggers participation on several world class racing teams serve as platforms to constantly test and refine new technologies.  And for the cruising sailors, we can also service and install your stack pack, Dutchman system or in mast furler to make your life easier.

 

Electronics:

Electronics on boats can be tricky, luckily our in-house electrician is available to help sort out all your problems as they arise.  As electronics continue to evolve, so do we.  We can guide you thru a customized electronics selection process, to find the package that works for you.  Our electrician can install them, our riggers can ensure they functionally work with the boat, and out composites/finishes department can make them look beautiful.

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RIGGING: Excellence in Rigging Services

Running Rigging
Sailing is as much about the journey as it is about precision, and at Merman Marine, we ensure your running rigging is in top condition to keep your journey smooth. Led by Max Hutter, a retired professional racer who understands the importance of every detail, our team inspects your running rigging meticulously. We identify wear and tear, replace any worn lines, and execute the work with the precision you expect from a world-class facility.

Our services include:

  • Custom lines varying in diameter and material

  • High Load Strops/Loops

  • Composite Backstays

  • Sheet &  Halyard Inspections

  • Line Cover Repairs

  • Optimizing Running Rigging

  • Custom Machined Hardware

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Standing Rigging
Your standing rigging is the backbone of your sailboat, and at Merman Marine, we treat it with the seriousness it deserves. Recognizing the potential consequences of a rigging failure, our team conducts in-depth inspections to catch issues before they escalate into costly problems. Should any components need servicing or replacement, we provide you with clear, informed recommendations, ensuring your vessel is always ready for the challenges ahead.

Precision Rigging for Cruisers and Racers

At Merman Marine, we understand that whether you're cruising leisurely along the coast or pushing for speed in a competitive race, your rigging needs to be tailored to the demands of your journey. Our team, led by Max Hutter, a retired professional racer, brings a deep understanding of the unique rigging requirements for both cruisers and racers.

For Cruisers
We focus on reliability and ease of use, ensuring that your rigging is optimized for long-distance comfort and safety. Our expert team will ensure your rigging is durable, functional, and easy to manage, so you can enjoy smooth sailing on your extended voyages.

For Racers
Performance is key. We offer high-performance rigging solutions designed to enhance speed, responsiveness, and control. With our precision-tuned rigging, you’ll have the competitive edge you need to push your vessel to its limits and achieve top performance on the racecourse. No matter your sailing style, Merman Marine’s rigging services are customized to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your yacht is always rigged for excellence.

Our checklist includes the following: 

Mast and Boom

  • Signs of pitting around where fixtures are attached

  • Blocks’ sheaves not worn and leads in working condition?

  • Spreader attachment points signs of wear or fatigue

  • Paint chips

  • Stress cracks

 

Shroud Servicing

  • Swage attachment point condition

  • Spreader endcaps padded

  • Failing wire shroud at swage points

  • Condition of turnbuckles

 

Headstay Furlers

  • Roller furler bearings condition – top and bottom

  • Furler line condition

  • Headstay foil condition

  • Installation of proper luff feeder

 

Stanchions

  • If any stanchions are wobbly and need to be reseated

  • Bent stanchions or pulpits

  • Are lifelines fraying or wearing

  • Do some of the lifelines require padding

 

Furling Systems

  • Dutchman lines are still serviceable

  • Permanent boom sail covers are in good shape

  • In-boom furlers are properly lubricated and aligned