Expert rigging inspections
Steven Uhthoff performs expert rigging inspections. He offers two levels of marine survey rigging inspections. Read on to learn all the services provided in these comprehensive inspections.
Level 1 – Deck Inspection
(Included with Pre-Purchase and Insurance Inspections)
- Chainplates, turnbuckles, swage fittings, and toggles at the deck.
- Wire condition.
- Fittings and mast tubing.
- Appendages such as roller furlers and spinnaker poles; also includes lazy jacks.
- Spreader angle.
- Function of all deck hardware is tested.
- Stanchions and lifelines are checked.
Level 2 – Aloft Inspection
(Level 1 plus full aloft inspection at additional cost)
- All standing and running rigging with emphasis on wire and line chafing.
- Sheaves and blocks.
- Inspection for fitting wear, fractures and corrosion.
- Condition of welds at mast head and spreader bases along with the gooseneck fitting.
- General mast extrusion condition and tuning of the rig and spreaders.
- Clevis pins and connecting points throughout the rig.
- Running rigging such as winches and cam cleats.
- Mounting hardware.
- Operation of all mast lights is confirmed.
- Please be sure to inform us well in advance if you would like a level 2 inspection, so we’re sure to bring the necessary equipment to go aloft.
A Level-1 rigging inspection is included with the Pre-Purchase survey and Insurance survey. It is completed at deck level only using a monocular from the vessel and dock. This inspection covers general observations and function of the rigging.
The Level-2 rigging inspection is a complete inspection of all rigging. It is completed aloft using a bosun’s chair. A full level 2 service takes several hours of time to perform and will require an additional fee. It may not always be able to be completed on the same day as a pre-purchase survey. Any vessel with rigging over ten years old, rigging that has not had a Level-2 inspection completed in the past five years, or rigging on a vessel expected to go offshore in the near future should have a Level-2 inspection completed. Additionally, if a vessel is heading offshore and has not had its mast removed and inspected in the past 10 years, it is recommended that a Level-2 inspection is completed. Please note that in some cases insurance companies are now requiring Level-2 rigging inspections be performed prior to insuring a vessel.
Call us to schedule a rigging inspection or fill out our contact form on the homepage.
Dye Testing Available
We also offer dye testing when needed. Dye testing, also known as a Magnaflux test, is designed to display fractures in metal so they are visible to the human eye. Dye testing may be suggested in cases of possible damage to a mast. We have performed dye testing for many of the local rigging shops and boatyard.
