Short answer

Choose a yacht rigger on demonstrated experience with your rig type, willingness to quote in itemised writing, references from owners of similar yachts, appropriate insurance, and a clear position on what happens if extra work is found. Rig type experience matters more than proximity — a rigger who works on your configuration weekly is worth travelling for.

Ask what the rigger works on, not just how long they have been working. Masthead sloops, fractional rigs, in-mast furling, rod rigging, synthetic rigging, catamarans and deck-stepped rigs all carry different knowledge. Someone who sees your configuration weekly will spot things a generalist will not.

Insist on an itemised written quote before committing. A rigger who will itemise is a rigger who has thought about scope. One who resists is either guessing or leaving room to renegotiate later.

Ask for references from owners of comparable yachts and actually contact them. Ask specifically: did the final invoice match the quote, what extra work was found, how was it communicated, and would they use the rigger again.

Settle the discovery question in advance. Extra work found once the mast is down is normal; being surprised by it is not. Agree in writing that the rigger will stop and quote before proceeding beyond an agreed threshold. Related: how to compare rigging quotes.

Step by step

  1. Match rig type to experience

    Confirm the rigger regularly works on your rig configuration and material.

  2. Request an itemised quote

    Written, line by line, with inclusions and exclusions both stated.

  3. Check insurance and access

    Confirm appropriate insurance and that they can work at your yard or mooring.

  4. Call two references

    Owners of similar yachts. Ask whether the invoice matched the quote.

  5. Agree the discovery rule

    In writing: stop and quote before exceeding an agreed threshold.

  6. Confirm what you receive

    Specifications fitted, a dated record and a tuning handover at the end.

Key facts

Matters most
Documented experience with your specific rig type
Non-negotiable
An itemised written quote
Ask references
Whether the final invoice matched the quote
Agree upfront
What happens when extra work is found mid-job

Full background: read the guide

Primary sources

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