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BigNickMontana · 06-04-2016, 16:53

I am looking at buying a boat in Seattle, really like the boat but it has a wooden mast that is fairly old.

Seeing as how I am wanting to do a lot of water sailing">blue water sailing I want to replace the mast rigging and sails before I go.

Can anyone recommend who I would want to talk to about replacing all of the Rig in the Seattle area?

babaluey · 06-04-2016, 17:17

In Port Townsend, you could have Port Townsend Rigging or Brion Toss do the rigging. If your wooden masts need to be rebuilt or repaired, Steve Chapin at Point Hudson Boat Shop is a great wooden spar guy.

**roverhi** · 06-04-2016, 17:56

There is no reason that the wooden mast will not work for you as long as it is good condition. Rot and delimitation can cause problems but both are repairable, within reason. Biggest negative to a wood stick is maintenance. Varnish will require regular sanding and a new coat. Paint is more durable/less maintenance but can hide problems. The most justifiable reason for going with an aluminum stick is weight though glued up spruce masts can be pretty light.

If the mast is in good shape I'd stick with it. A new aluminum mast will probably cost more than $10,000 though you could get lucky and find a used aluminum one in good condition. Know I can get a Carbon stick replacement for my 40' mast for only $20,000. Are you getting the boat cheaply enough that it makes economic sense to replace the stick. Nearly bought a Bristol 39 with new Hasse sails and aluminum mast a few years back. Owner was asking $38,000 which he said was the cost of the sails, mast and rigging. He was throwing the boat in for free.

babaluey · 06-04-2016, 18:09

Before you do anything to the rig you should have a rig inspection done by a professional who is knowledgeable about wooden spars. Just because the mast is old does not mean it needs replacing, if it has been maintained well. A rig survey will tell you. Even if you can readily see delamination or rot, the surveyor should be able to tell you whether it is repairable.

**newhaul** · 06-04-2016, 18:10

The mast'and'rigging are in top condition the sails are almost new the storm jib and the storm tri have never been deployed except to verify the fit.

Stumble · 06-04-2016, 18:16

Cal Brionn Toss, he is probably the best rigger in the US and is local to you. He also has experience with wooden masts and can tell you if what you have is in good shape. Assuming it passes his inspection you don't need to do anything but recounting maintenance. If he tells you it's toast, then I am sure he can help you find a new mast as well.

ryon · 06-04-2016, 19:51

Did anyone mention Port Townsend?

**newhaul** · 06-04-2016, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryon

Did anyone mention Port Townsend?

Nope nobody mentioned' Brian either lol

Captain Puget · 07-04-2016, 07:23

I have had excellent experience with Northwest Rigging - based in Anacortes, but work all over the sound (including Seattle). Andy is the owner.

northwestsailor · 07-04-2016, 08:01

It's Brion and his the best and a great guy too. He loves to teach as well as get the job done and is certainly no more expensive than the rest of the them.

northwestsailor · 07-04-2016, 08:04

And did I mention he has a great sense of humor?

wrwakefield · 07-04-2016, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigNickMontana

I am looking at buying a boat in Seattle, really like the boat but it has a wooden mast that is fairly old.

Seeing as how I am wanting to do a lot of blue water sailing I want to replace the mast rigging and sails before I go.

Can anyone recommend who I would want to talk to about replacing all of the Rig in the Seattle area?

Hey Nick,

As several others have mentioned, Port Townsend is a one stop shop for you.

We did the same 2 years ago when we bought our current boat.

Brion Toss did the pre-purchase rigging inspection, and subsequent tuning.

His shop is right next Carol Hasse's sail loft Port Townsend Sails. Have them inspect your sails, and reinforce/repair anything that needs it. If you are planning on a new set of sails in the next few years, you could also have Carol measure your boat so when the time comes all you have to do it place the order a year in advance of arrival.

We are very glad we did as described above. And you won't meet better people to do business with. They are competitive despite being top in their field world wide.

You will also find any other kind of service you might need there, and it is a really nice community and home of the PNW annual Wooden Boat Festival. [Sept each year]

I recommend contacting the above businesses in advance so you can schedule time. Walk-in during summer season might cause you avoidable delays.

Best wishes with your new vessel!

Consider looking us up should you decide to explore further north.

Cheers!

Bill