Adjusting Stay Wire Tension

[manuevers]

I new to sailing in larger boats and just purchased a 1986 Hunter 34 last year. I'm pretty sure the stays need to be adjusted. From the bit of research I have done it seems the Loos Tool is what I need.

Does anyone have any advice. Even better, is there anyone in the Heerington Harbor South area (Cheasapeake Beach) that might have a Loos tool a might be willing to come by and help?

Thanks!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

Manuevers,

The Loos tool does make is easy. Many of the tuning articles for boat rigs list the Loos gauge value.

I've tried using spring scales and fish scales. Those depend too much on a consistent pull that I was unable to achieve.

I didn't think the cost was too much but your idea to borrow one is good. Mine gets loaned out all over the marina.

 

[Dan Johnson]

Manuevers...

Unfortunately for us, the professional model Loos tool for the size wire used to rig the H34 is very expensive--I don't own one and the two smaller ones I do have are for smaller wire sizes and can't give an accurate reading of tension for the thicker wire.

Secondly, these boats use the B&R rigging, which needs to be set up with the mast down and off the boat to get the most proper set up (mast pre-bend, etc). A good rigger can probably do it with the mast up, but be sure he knows these rigs. They are not set up like the conventional ones are.

Others may refer to the method of sailing in about 10 knots and adjusting each leward side after progressive tacks to take the slack out. Won't do much good with the double spreader/x-cross linkage on this mast.