During the pre-purchase survey of a sailboat it is my practice to also focus on the state of the running rigging.
I do that because during the sea trial and with the subsequent mast climb I need to understand the workmanship and condition of the rigging both for sailing and for my own personal safety in the ascent.
It is necessary to identify any wear points on the ropes and understand their causes such as possible ruined pulleys or blocks.
It is obviously necessary to be able to recognize the material of the cordage i.e., whether the more common pre-stretched polyester or perhaps of the more sophisticated Dyneema.
Indeed, behind the current rigging a world opens up and it is important during the appraisal phase to evaluate the correct sizing of the rigging depending on the material used.
It will be absolutely necessary for the marine appraiser to know the difference between the materials used, in order to judge their thickness – and to be able to recommend improvements as well as to highlight criticalities and possible breakage due to excessive load.
Also not to be overlooked is the combination between the materials of the rigging and the type of maneuver dedicated to it, i.e. halyards for sails, for example, or perhaps borose halyards where perhaps for halyards with the latest generation of sails, dyneema will be necessary, vice versa we could tolerate polyester for borose halyards.
During the appraisal of a sailboat it is necessary to have attentions to the sail plan and relevant rigging as one has for a bulkhead or a mainsail.