Before getting into the water, there are many things that need to be checked on our sailing boat. This way, we will prevent all the bad experiences while we are racing or, even when we are cruising and we just wanted to relax and enjoy our vacation.

In this article, we will talk about the importance of the frequent check of the deck equipment with a focus on the main maneuvers.

Fixed maneuvers

Let’s dig into it starting with fixed maneuvers that normally on cruising sailing boats are in a spiral, which means that is composed of a plot of stainless-steel cables. Inside these weaves could deposit dirt and antioxidant agents that, over time, can lead to corrosion and possible damage. Therefore, maintaining the rigging also means cleaning it regularly.

Apart from the cleaning, it is widely suggested to put your rigging into examination by a professional every 5 years. By doing this, you will know if it is enough to clean the rigging with the use of professional agents or if the rigging should be changed. For further details, read our article Rigging: how do you know when it is the right time to change it?

Stoppers and blocks

Remaining around the rigging, it is now time to check stoppers and blocks. In addition to possible cracks and deformations, it is also a good idea to examine the screws, bolts, nuts, and pins of each piece of equipment. In fact, if an anchor of this type of deck equipment fails, the damage can be very serious.

The mainsail traveler and genoa carriage also need maintenance. The cleaning should be done using professional products that are often sold by the equipment manufacturers themselves.

Foresail Furler

Even the foresail furler should also be disassembled and checked every five years and, normally, you ask a professional to do this work. However, before putting into practice something like this, good maintenance consists of frequent washings with fresh water and dishwashing detergent of the extruder, the drum, and the joint where the halyard is attached.

Ropes

Ropes are probably the maneuvers that are most exposed to weather and atmospheric phenomena. For their maintenance, it would be necessary to wash them frequently and, in order to do so, it would also be necessary to unthread each halyard and then wash it, let it dry, and reset it.

Winches

Even when assembled and fully functional, winches should be regularly rinsed with fresh water. Moreover, once the summer season is over, they should be disassembled and each component should be cleaned. With all parts cleaned, one can check for signs of wear, then proceed to reassemble everything.

Windlass

Even when assembled and fully functional, winches should be regularly washed with fresh water. Moreover, once the summer season is over, they should be disassembled and each component should be cleaned. With all parts cleaned, you can check for signs of wear, then proceed to reassemble everything.

We hope that you found this blog article useful and we remind you that if you need any help or more information regarding the maintenance of your deck equipment, you can always contact us at info@sailservice.it. Or, if you need new equipment, you can have a look at our website where you will find the best-in-market sailing equipment from brands such as Selden, Antal, Wichard, and many more.