What rig and sail inventory was standard on the Hallberg-Rassy 36?
I'm looking at a Hallberg-Rassy 36 with a Seldén mast and roller-furling genoa. What rig and sails were standard, and how can I tell whether its present inventory includes factory options or later additions?
Answer
The Hallberg-Rassy 36's standard arrangement was a Seldén double-spreader sloop rig, with a mainsail and a furling headsail on a Seldén Furlex 300 S system. Check exact sail sizes, mainsail reefing and additional sails against the individual boat's original specification, as equipment and later alterations vary.
Identify the boat first
Start with the hull number, build year and original equipment list. The HR 36 was built in earlier and later versions, so an undated specification sheet cannot describe every boat built.
The standard specification states the spar supplier, spreader arrangement and standing-rigging diameters. The available rigging text, however, stops part-way through the Furlex description, before a complete sail schedule. It does not establish exact mainsail and genoa areas, cloth weights or every supplied accessory.
When buying, ask for the original order confirmation, sailmaker's invoices and recent rigging invoices. These distinguish delivery equipment from the sails and hardware aboard today. A replacement sail may have a different area or cut while still fitting the original spars.
Mast and standing rigging
Seldén supplied the specified mast, boom and running rigging. The mast had two sets of spreaders, with forward and aft lower shrouds. The published wire diameters are:
- Forward and aft lower shrouds: 8 mm.
- Lower section of the cap shrouds: 10 mm.
- Upper cap-shroud sections and intermediate shrouds: 8 mm.
- Forestay and backstay: 8 mm.
Aluminium rigging-screw protection was also specified. These covers help identify the original equipment, but slide them clear during inspection: the terminals and threads beneath still need examining.
Use these dimensions to assess an apparently original rig. They are not enough to order replacements: check wire lengths, terminal types, mast fittings and previous modifications too. Do not use a generic tightening torque for the rigging screws; adjustment depends on the rig arrangement and wire tension.
Before anyone goes aloft, have a competent rigger assess suspect standing rigging and its attachment points.
Headsail furling and sails
The standard headsail equipment was a Seldén Furlex 300 S furling and reefing system. This matches the published specification, though the original unit may have been replaced with another Furlex model or a different make.