Buying a Yacht With Old or Unknown Rigging

Independent guide: General information only. Insurance terms vary; confirm with your insurer.

Quick answer

If the seller cannot document when the standing rigging was last replaced, treat the rig as old. Commission a pre-purchase rig inspection, ask your insurer about their rig-age requirements before buying, and budget for a re-rig using the cost estimator. Old rigging is common on the used market and is not a reason to walk away, but it is a real cost the price should reflect.

Why rig age matters

• stainless rigging fatigues invisibly
• insurers may ask about age and limit cover
• the forestay inside a furler is rarely visible
• chainplates of the same age may be corroded where you cannot see

Budgeting the purchase

1. Get the inspection report and a re-rig quote.
2. Add chainplates, furler and running rigging if they are also old.
3. Factor crane and hardstand costs.
4. Use the total in price negotiation.

For bands by size see 25 ft, 30 ft, 35 ft, 40 ft and catamarans.

Boats where this comes up most

• Classic Australian production yachts, often 35+ years old
• ex-charter Beneteau, Jeanneau, Lagoon and Leopard boats with high usage
• boats that have been laid up for years

Related

• Should you replace the rigging after buying?
• What a complete re-rig involves