Short answer

Budget a re-rig by starting from an indicative band for the yacht’s length and material, then adding each scope item separately — crane, hardstand, furler service, chainplates, running rigging, tuning and travel — and holding a contingency of roughly 15 to 25 per cent for what is found once the mast is down.

The standing rigging itself is frequently less than half the final invoice. Budgets fail when owners price the wire and treat everything that has to happen around it as incidental.

Build the number in layers. Layer one is the standing rigging: wire, terminals, turnbuckles, toggles and pins. Layer two is access: unstepping, crane, transport, hardstand and lay days. Layer three is adjacent work that is sensible while the mast is out: furler service, masthead fittings, wiring, spreader work. Layer four is commissioning: stepping, tuning and a sea trial.

Hold a real contingency. A mast out of the boat reveals what nobody could see, and chainplates are the single most common addition. Fifteen to twenty-five per cent is a realistic reserve, and an unspent contingency is a good outcome rather than a wasted one.

Start the budget years before the work. Planning from about year eight of a rig’s life converts a sudden five-figure shock into a scheduled expense, and it lets you time the job for a cheaper season.

Step by step

  1. Set the base band

    Use the estimator on the costs page for the yacht’s length and intended material.

  2. Add access costs

    Unstepping, crane hire, transport, hardstand and lay days for the expected duration.

  3. Add adjacent work

    Furler service, masthead fittings, wiring, spreaders — anything cheaper to do while the mast is out.

  4. Add commissioning

    Re-stepping, tuning, sea trial and the follow-up re-tension after the rig settles.

  5. Add contingency

    Reserve 15-25 per cent, with chainplates as the most likely call on it.

  6. Confirm GST treatment

    Check whether each figure is inclusive or exclusive before comparing anything.

Key facts

Rule of thumb
Standing rigging is often under half the final invoice
Recommended contingency
15-25 per cent
Most common overrun
Chainplate removal, inspection and rebedding
Start planning
From about year 8 of the rig’s life

Full background: read the guide