What Is a Boat Rigger?

The boat rigger is integral in of the process of manufacturing boats. The boat rigger is charged with a wide variety of tasks whose goal is to outfit the ship with the many systems that provide safety, comfort and operational capabilities unrelated to the construction of the vessel's hull, decks or superstructure, but essential in "bringing the vessel to life." Should the boat rigger choose a life at sea with the U. S. Merchant Marine, he would be a Deck Engine Mechanic, one of the specialties for a Qualified Member of the Engine Department on a ship.

Installation of the Propulsion System

The boat rigger is responsible for installing the propulsion systems in a boat. Depending on the type of boat, the boat rigger has different responsibilities. For example, the boat rigger is responsible for installing the motor in a boat that has a motor, the mast and mast-step in a sailboat, oars and oar locks in smaller boats and wind turbines in a non-sail wind-powered vessel.

Installation of Standing Rigging

The standing rigging of a boat is the cabling that keeps the mast upright and in place on a sailboat. Larger pleasure craft that are driven by motors or engines may also have a mast as well, upon which is mounted a radar unit or other, auxiliary electronic receivers. If the mast is too tall to be supported by its own structure, or if the structure is flexible, it will also have cabling to keep it stable and secure. In large sailing vessels, the yardarm will be installed by the boat rigger, but not the cabling or controls that raise or lower the yardarm or control its lateral movements, since these cables and lines are running rigging.

Installation of Non-electrical Elements of the Control Systems

The boat rigger is responsible for installing the non-electrical elements of the control systems. This includes hydraulic and pneumatic steering and throttle controls, thruster systems and their engines, winches, hawsepipes (the through-hull pipe that carries the the anchor cable from its locker to the outside of the hull), anchor stoppers, anchor rollers and the anchor itself. Chocks, fairleads, kevels, cleats, bits and Samson posts--all the devices and deck hardware by which the boat may be tied to a pier--are installed by the boat rigger. Specialty riggers install the compass and perform the "swing-ship" maneuver to make adjustments to the compass establish the validity of the compass settings. If the boat is equipped with a crane or any type of winch, the rigger installs it.

Installation of Comfort Systems

Comfort systems, air conditioning and heating need support systems to carry that comfort to the passengers. Ductwork, interior paneling, cabinetry, built-in bunks and furniture, sinks in the galley and lavatories in the heads are installed by the boat rigger.

Installation of Safety Systems

The boat rigger installs the horn and bell, and the hydrostatically triggered life raft pods on larger boats and installs the deck box that holds the life jackets on smaller boats. The boat rigger mounts the Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that helps the Coast Guard find survivors, should the boat sink. If the boat is equipped with balsa life floats or ring-type life preservers, the boat rigger's marlin spike skills rig the required rope-work to the floats and life rings. If the boat is rigged with life boats, the boat rigger installs or oversees their installation and systems tests.

Resources

• This Old Boat