Short answer
A straightforward Australian re-rig typically occupies one to three weeks of elapsed time, of which only a few days are hands-on work. Elapsed time is driven by crane availability, hardstand bookings, wire and terminal lead times, and whatever is found once the mast is down — not by the rigger’s labour hours.
Owners consistently underestimate elapsed time and overestimate labour time. Measuring, unstepping, fabricating, refitting, stepping and tuning may total only a few working days, but they are separated by waiting: for a crane slot, for a hardstand berth, for components, and for a weather window to tune.
Discovery is the main schedule risk. Once the mast is out, the parts nobody could see become visible — chainplate condition, mast step corrosion, spreader roots, internal wiring, the forestay inside the foil. Any of these can add scope and time.
Regional timing compounds it. Outside the capitals a rigger may travel to the yacht, and crane availability rather than labour rate often decides when work can happen. In the tropical north, cyclone season narrows the practical window further. The locations guide covers regional logistics.
Book around the peaks. Lead times lengthen before major regattas and ahead of the cruising season, so the same job booked in March and in October can have very different elapsed times.
Key facts
- Typical elapsed time
- 1-3 weeks for a straightforward job
- Actual hands-on work
- Often only a few days
- Main delays
- Crane slots, hardstand bookings, component lead times, discovery
- Seasonal peaks
- Before major regattas and the cruising season
Full background: read the guide