A 30-minute visual check at the start of each season prevents most of the expensive mid-season failures. You can run the list below from deck level; for masthead checks we recommend professional support.
If anything on the list looks suspicious (a broken wire strand, a cracked terminal, excessive play), have a rigger inspect the boat before you sail; the first sign of wire failure is usually a single broken strand that is easy to miss. Our professional pre-season inspection covers the whole list, masthead included, with a photo report.
The 10-point checklist
- Broken strands and rust marks on wires
- Cracks in terminals and turnbuckles
- Chainplate connections and deck seals
- Spreader tips and connection bolts
- Free rotation of the furling drum
- Halyard wear and end fittings
- Mast step drainage and corrosion
- Free running of blocks and sheaves
- Vang and boom connection pins
- Navigation light and antenna connections