Short answer
Australian re-rig costs scale steeply with yacht length, not linearly. As an indicative planning band, a 30-foot yacht in 1x19 stainless commonly falls in the low five figures, a 40-footer materially higher, and a 50-footer higher again. Material choice, mast removal, crane hire, yard time and chainplate work move the figure more than labour rates do.
Length dominates because rig loads and component sizes rise faster than length itself. Doubling waterline length far more than doubles the cost of the wire, terminals and hardware, which is why per-foot pricing quoted nationally is usually misleading.
Material multiplies the base. Compact strand costs more than 1x19; rod and synthetic systems more again, with different terminal and inspection requirements attached. The cost estimator on the costs page lets you build an indicative band by length, material and scope.
Scope is where quotes actually diverge. Mast unstepping and crane hire, hardstand and lay days, furler strip and service, chainplate removal and rebedding, running rigging renewal, tuning and sea trial, and regional travel are each separable line items that may or may not be included.
These are planning bands, not quotes. Real pricing depends on the yacht, the yard, access, component availability and what is found once work starts. Always confirm whether a figure includes GST.
Key facts
- Dominant variable
- Yacht length — costs rise faster than length
- Material effect
- 1x19 lowest; compact strand higher; rod and synthetic higher again
- Commonly excluded
- Crane, hardstand, chainplates, furler service, tuning, travel
- Always confirm
- Whether the quoted figure includes GST
- Status of these figures
- Indicative planning bands only, not quotes
Full background: read the guide