FAQ
Answers to common questions about rigging services, custom lines, composite fabrication, and online orders. Contact us directly for anything else.
Rigging Services
How do I schedule a rigging survey or service appointment?
Call us at (510) 913-8205 or use the quote form on our Contact page. We'll discuss your boat and project, then schedule from there. We work from Sugar Dock, Richmond and can travel by workboat or truck throughout the Bay Area.
Do you work on all types of sailboats?
Yes — one-design racers, offshore performance boats, cruising keelboats, and everything in between. We work on standing rigging, running rigging, masts, lifelines, winches, and deck hardware. If it's on a sailboat and needs doing, call us.
Can you do mobile / on-the-water work?
Yes. We serve marinas throughout the San Francisco Bay Area — we're not limited to in-shop work. For larger projects (full rigging surveys, mast work, standing rigging replacement), we discuss logistics when you reach out.
What brands of winches do you service?
Lewmar, Harken, and Andersen are the most common brands we see. We carry parts for all three. For other brands, we can typically source parts — call us to confirm.
Custom Lines & Splicing
How do I order a custom halyard or sheet?
Use the quote form on the Custom Lines page or call us. Tell us: your boat, the application (halyard/sheet/guy), rig height, any hardware constraints (clutch brand/model, winch drum width), and your performance vs. budget priorities. We'll recommend construction and price the job.
How is custom line and splicing work priced?
We don't publish fixed splice rates online. Labor and line material are quoted together per job based on your rope choice, diameter, length, and hardware. We'll give you a total price before any work starts.
How long does a custom line order take?
Most custom line builds are completed within 1–3 business days once line is in stock. Larger orders or unusual constructions may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline when you request the quote.
What is a cover-to-core taper and do I need one?
A taper removes the cover from the section of halyard that stays aloft when the sail is up, leaving only the bare core. This reduces weight aloft and windage. It's a significant performance upgrade for racing programs. For cruising boats, the standard double-braid is usually the better choice. We'll help you decide based on your program.
Carbon Composites
Can you fabricate parts for any boat or do you only do catalog items?
We do fully custom work. If you have a specific problem — sheets fouling on a fitting, hardware that needs a carbon mount, a mast section that needs protection — describe it to us. We design and build to your geometry. The sample parts on our website are examples of what we've done, not a limiting catalog.
What materials do you use for composite fabrication?
We use Composites One resins with vacuum infusion molding. Our standard structural layup uses carbon fiber. For high-impact applications (mast crash pads, cleat guards), we add glass and Kevlar to the layup to improve toughness under repeated point-load strikes.
How do I get a price on a composite part?
Use the quote form on our Composites page, or call the shop. Give us as much information as you can: what the part needs to do, what geometry it needs to fit, and whether it's for racing or cruising use. Lead time and cost vary by complexity.
Shop & Ordering
How do I order rope by the foot?
Browse the Shop. Rope is priced per foot with no minimum order. Add to cart, then check out on our Shopify store. Ships from our Richmond shop.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and PayPal through the online store. For in-shop projects, we can process cards directly or invoice via the Make a Payment link.
Do you have a physical shop I can visit?
Yes. We're at Sugar Dock, 800 Wharf St., Richmond, CA 94804. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead ensures we're available to talk through your project properly.
Still have questions?
Call (510) 913-8205 or use the contact form.