Mastering the Art of Rigging: A Guide to Craftsmanship

Introduction

In the world of rigging, there’s rarely a single “right” way—only the method that works best for the sailor, the boat, and the journey ahead.

When it comes to rigging, especially on the water, perfection isn’t defined by rigid formulas or textbook methods. Each sailor and rigger carries with them a personal system—shaped by experience, practicality, and sometimes even improvisation. At Rope Monkeys, we believe that rigging is a form of craftsmanship: it's about adapting, refining, and constantly learning.

The Philosophy Behind Rigging

Why do no two riggers approach a job exactly the same way? Because rigging is highly dependent on real-life variables: the type of vessel, environmental conditions, the sailor’s own needs, and even the tools or lines available.

Rather than follow rigid rules, we believe that craftsmanship comes from understanding function and context. Knowing why you tie something a certain way is more powerful than simply following instructions.

Soft Shackle with a Chafe Cover

One example that comes up often is the soft shackle with a chafe sleeve. This is something we've seen discussed in the sailing community and, if you’ve been following our Instagram reels, you might have caught one of our demos showing how we integrate chafe protection into soft shackles.

It’s a great example of practical rigging: sometimes you need a lightweight, low-profile solution that won’t damage your lines over time. Adding a chafe cover might not be in the standard instruction manual, but it’s something a seasoned rigger will do without hesitation—because experience teaches us that protection matters, especially under load.

The Rope Monkeys Approach

In our work, we’re always experimenting with what works best on board. When adding chafe protection to soft shackles, we carefully consider:

• Material choice for the sleeve: Does it need to resist heat, UV, or heavy abrasion?

• Ease of installation and long-term durability.

• Aesthetic and functionality—we always aim to keep our rigging solutions clean, minimal, and efficient.

You’ll often see us sharing our methods through our Instagram reels. These videos aren’t just tutorials—they’re a look into how we work, adapt, and refine our craft in real-time.

Every Rigger Has Wisdom to Share

One of the most beautiful parts of the rigging world is the shared knowledge between sailors. No two boats are the same, and every solution tells a story. We’d love to hear yours.

Have you ever had to rig something in a pinch? Have your own version of a soft shackle modification? Drop us a message or comment—let’s keep the conversation going.

Why Quality Matters: A Closer Look at Rope Durability

In the photo below, you’ll see a comparison: one brand new rope and one brought to us by a customer—heavily worn, frayed, and ultimately broken after repeated use.

This stark contrast is a powerful reminder that the rope you choose isn't just a piece of gear—it’s a part of your safety system.

The new rope shown here is Novabraid 78 (6mm) by Gottifredi Maffioli—a high-performance line made with Dyneema SK78 fibers, offering exceptional strength, low stretch, and excellent resistance to abrasion and fatigue. It's the kind of rope we trust for demanding applications where failure is simply not an option.

Further Learning

Want to see the reel that inspired this post? Check out our Instagram page @ropemonkeys for hands-on content.

We’ll also be sharing more in-depth rigging stories, behind-the-scenes projects, and guest tips from sailors around the world.

Final Words

Whether you're just starting or have thousands of nautical miles behind you, rigging is a lifelong craft. Let’s keep learning, sharing, and innovating—together.