B&R rig tuning take 1

[SteveHughessails]

This pre-bend is likely too much but I can see it basically includes the entire mast centered around the spreaders for sure. Not too much time to spend on the vessel this weekend. Every time I drive by her it no longer looks fast, just wrong now LOL

Thanks for hanging in here with me guys, appreciate it. I am confident I will get it.

 

[SteveHughessails]

I managed to get a bit of time on her today. I loosened the forestay to the maximum length then proceeded to tighten the side shrouds. I only tightened D1 to 10% and V1 tightened only to about 5%. I can see the mast has to go even further back yet.

I know from last year trying to hook my forestay up, it was too tight. I measured the length, it is 3 inches shorter than the stock forestay. I was able to get the stock length from the manual. I didn't know that I had to loosen the side shrouds too. It was then that I decided to tune this rig and try and learn more. I now know I definitely need a longer forestay. This one is still like new. I am considering a forestay extension plate?

 

[SteveHughessails]

I found a 5” CS Johnson stay extension rated at 2800lbs this will surely get me by with our fair weather sailing adventures (for now).

Makes me wonder, why so much effort to pull this mast forward? Is there any reason for it? What will I find out once I set the rake + properly?

 

[colemj]

The rake of the mast effects the center of effort of the sailplan. Too far forward and you will have lee helm, where the boat is always fighting you trying to turn away from the wind. Too far aft, and you will have weather helm, where the boat is always fighting you trying to turn into the wind.

Get it just right, and the boat is marvelously balanced, and steering is easy with good feedback.

Mark

 

[SteveHughessails]

Thanks guys!

Thank you for that explanation Mark. It really helped me to understand this effort. On one of our adventures out with the Mac25 we were pulled around quite strongly: at one point we were caught up in some stimulating wind doing circles (we lowered the sails, okay maybe a circle ). The Mac25 has a heavy rudder beating the wind, weather helm. I can also clearly remember loosening the forestay to hook it up. Hmmmmmmm

We have had so much fun just getting out on the water and lifting sails, learning. I’m loving this.

Thanks again
Steve

 

[SteveHughessails]

I received the extension and I was able to hook it up today. In the pictures below, the forestay has been extended 3 inches. The side shrouds have been tightened to 10% and 8%, the forestay is only roughly 5%. I was surprised by the amount of torque required to set the tension. I was happy with this for testing purposes.

I think the mast needs to go back a bit more. The picture of the port side looks a bit better as I can get further away from the vessel. The starboard side I am quite close. It makes it look like I definitely have to pull the mast further aft?

 

[SteveHughessails]

These pictures are with a 4 inch extension and 10% on shrouds with a lighter forestay tension 4 ish% which you can see.

I think this is ok. Once I tighten everything to spec. (tighten the forestay)

Ultimately I would love to go 5 inches as the stay extender would fit much better I'm not sure I have the adjustment room on one of the side shrouds. I will check athwartship (jib halyard side to side) again once I'm happy.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Last one, this one went together quite nicely. 10% on all shrouds and just shy of 8% on the forestay. I like this one but I'm surprised by achieving a tighter forestay how it makes it look straighter than the 4 inch.

I'm happy with this 5 inch extension ( 2 inches longer than the stock forestay) and the stays are tight enough to check final under sail.
Thoughts?

 

[SteveHughessails]

Starboard pic angle is tough. Port pic looks good to me.

 

[SteveHughessails]

Using the Jib halyard, I pulled it to one side and marked it, then pulled it over to the other side and it was out by an inch. Currently adjusting that. Makes sense now why the port side shroud is nearing the end of its adjustment. Once that is changed and I tension everything to spec I will be recording the measurements for future stepping of the mast. Then I’m taking her out.

Cheers

 

[SteveHughessails]

I hoisted the main today; first time I've seen it lol. I'm pretty sure I can see a whole lot of rake aft. I have likely put back all kinds of weather helm in her. At least it's a simpler adjustment now.
I'm getting close to taking her out.

 

[jssailem]

I have likely put back all kinds of weather helm in her

Maybe, maybe not. That’s why you need to splash her and go sailing. See what you got. Let her take on her true form. Sitting in the water is different than sitting on the trailer. Who knows she maybe just about right.

Take her out in a fresh breeze and do some repetitive tacking. Feel the windward and leeward shrouds. Are they keeping the mast in column? Can you tack up wind within 90 degrees or are you just going back and forth? Use both foresail and main.

Exciting times .

 

[SteveHughessails]

Fingers crossed, thanks for the positivity

I am going to lift her this weekend and check the centre board pivot pin and lifting line etc. I also have to do a bit of a repair on the bottom edge of the board. Once that’s done, she’s going in the water. Won’t be long now.

Thanks again