[Brian Duff]

Please, go now and buy a copy of
' Riggers Apprentice' by Brion Toss; 'Arts of the Sailor' by H.G. Smith; 'Masting and Rigging' by Underhill; 'Gaff Rig Handbook' by Leather; and any more of the -'people who bought this also liked...'-- books that are listed. Then Read

I recommend a visit to any nearby replica or training ships which are similar in design, build or period to yours. Pride of Baltimore II, Sultana, the St. Michaels Maritime Museum, Mystic Seaport, and others. Ask them who provided their ships rig, rigging and sails. If those options are out of the question, ask those same captains who they would try more locally, maybe someone who has only done repairs or upgrades to similar ships is capable of completing the work needed, at a lower cost or in a shorter time frame. Certainly talk to anyone involved with similar boats, almost all of us are MORE THAN HAPPY to fill your head with their advice and experience. Some will even fill your head with thoughts of dyneema shrouds and hidden high-tech blocks with much simpler overall rigging, while others will rant about keeping tradition and proven methods. Call Brion Toss.

Galvanized rigging can work fine. Riggers can take steps to protect the product from corrosion and fatigue, this way achieving a very long lasting and reliable rig.

I hope that we can help you find your answers here on this board, and please keep us up to date with the progress. I for one am real excited!