Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by our customers
90 Day Risk Free Returns
Price Match Promise
5 Star Rated by Sailors
Over 70,000+ Orders Shipped
Your shrouds hold the mast up, so worn, kinked or rusting wire is not something to leave until next season. Standing rigging work hardens and fatigues over time, and a failure means a mast over the side, so replacing shrouds before they let go is one of the more important jobs on the boat.
This collection covers wire shrouds and the fittings that go with them for dinghies, catamarans and keelboats, along with shroud adjusters for fine tuning your rig tension. We are adding more classes over time, so if the shroud for your boat is not showing yet it is worth getting in touch, as we can often source standing rigging that is not yet listed and make it up to the right length and specification for your boat.
As sailors ourselves, we know rig failures tend to happen at the worst moment, and that a tired set of shrouds is cheap insurance to replace. If you are not sure which shroud your boat takes, or whether you need a version with bottle screws or adjusters, call us on 01268 222912 and we will help you get the right one. Order before 2pm Monday to Friday and we will ship in stock items the same day.
Some frequently asked questions that other customers have asked us about Wire Shrouds.
What do shrouds do on a sailing boat?
Shrouds are the wires that hold the mast up from side to side. They run from the mast down to fittings on each side of the hull, and work with the forestay to keep the mast upright and in the right position. Shroud tension also controls how much the mast bends, so it has a direct effect on sail shape.
When should I replace my wire shrouds?
Replace your wire shrouds as soon as you find a broken strand, a kink, or cracking or corrosion around the end fittings. Run a cloth along the wire to check, as broken strands will snag it. Shrouds carry the full load of the rig, so a damaged one can bring the mast down. Always replace them as a pair.
How do I adjust shroud tension?
Shroud tension is adjusted at the bottom of the wire. Most dinghies use a vernier adjuster, such as the Selden Vernier Shroud Adjuster, where moving a pin between holes changes the length in small steps. Keelboats such as the SB20 use bottle screws, which are turned to tighten or ease the shroud. A rig tension gauge helps you repeat your settings.
What do V1, D1 and D2 mean on SB20 shrouds?
On the SB20, shrouds are named by their position in the rig. V stands for vertical, the sections that run up the side of the mast, and D stands for diagonal, the wires that run in to the mast at an angle. The numbers count up from the deck. SB20 shrouds are available with or without bottle screws.
Are wire shrouds specific to each boat?
Yes, wire shrouds are made to a set length with the correct end fittings for each class, so you need the right shroud for your boat. We stock shrouds for the SB20, Laser Bahia, Laser Vago, Dart 18 and Tornado catamaran. Check whether a shroud is sold singly or as a pair before you order.
