Sailing Chandlery urges winter hardware audit ahead of spring

Winter is still on the dock, but now is the moment to get ahead. Sailing Chandlery used its January newsletter to press boat owners into a focused hardware audit—inspect deck hardware such as blocks, cleats, and fairleads, and examine running lines and rigging now so repairs and upgrades are finished before yard schedules tighten.

The immediate risk is simple: small failures cost big time when summer season ramps up. The newsletter calls attention to pulley bearings and shackles as wear items that are cheap to replace now but can create major headaches if they fail underway or force last-minute haul-outs. Stocking new blocks and high-performance lines is practical insurance—Dyneema-cored replacements for sheets and control lines are highlighted as an upgrade that reduces stretch and improves sail trim without a full rig overhaul.

For DIY-focused owners, the advice is actionable. Start at the deck and work inboard: roll up the fenders and run your hand along standing and running rigging; test blocks for smooth rotation and side play; spin shackles and check threads for signs of corrosion; replace bearings that feel gritty or bind. When it comes to lines, splice or replace lines that show core exposure, flat spots, or excessive stretch. If you plan to switch to Dyneema-cored sheets, measure current lengths, note hardware compatibility, and order early so replacements arrive before your planned refit day.

The newsletter also broadened the checklist to include personal kit—performance clothing and safety gear—arguing that getting the crew outfitted is part of readiness for an active season. Planning purchases and refit timelines now can prevent delays when boatyards and riggers book up in spring; owners who wait risk long lead times for labor and specialized parts.

Sailing Chandlery paired the practical reminders with community spotlights, underscoring that many projects are straightforward with a weekend and basic tools. That community angle matters: swap spares, checklists, and local vendor recommendations with fellow sailors at your club or marina to speed up small jobs and share trusted suppliers.

The takeaway? Start with a short, systematic audit this month: blocks, cleats, fairleads, bearings, shackles, and running lines. Order Dyneema-cored lines or spare blocks now if you plan upgrades, and schedule haul-out or rigger time before spring rushes schedules. Our two cents? A little winter elbow grease and timely purchases save bigger headaches later—get the gear on deck and the crew ready, and you’ll sail into spring with confidence.