First Time for an old sailor

[Steve]

I purchased a 1992 Hunter 28 last fall and will be lauching her on 28 April. This is the first time I have owned (and launched) a fixed keel sailboat. The yard will step the mast and secure all the standing rigging (only so the mast won't fall down). I will need to adjust all the standing rigging prior to the first time I go sailing.Where can I get the best advice so I do this correctly? I have double spreaders with an upper, middle and lower shrouds; a roller furler and ssingle backstay that splits just above the boom. I did find some instructions on this web site in the reference section, but the instructions seem too simple. I am a cruiser, not a racer.

 

[popscolly]

The basics

First step is to purchase or borrow a Loos guage. Then, you need to find out the proper tension for a H28 for your stays and shrouds. Rule of thumb is to tightened them to give about two inches of free play 6 feet above deck. This will get you started.Bring your main halyard to the deck. Hang a weight like a monkey wrench from it and adjust the fore and aft stay to acquire about six inches of lean to aft. Measure distance monkey wrench is from base of mast. Tighten stays to adjust to equal tensions.Then, with a tape measure attached to the main halyard, hoist it to the top. Measure the top stays to the base port and starboard and tighten until they are equal distance and the same tension. Next step is to sight up the mast and tighten the lower shrouds to take out bend in mast. Take her out after rigging main and jib. On a port tack, take out the slack in the lower shrouds and reverse the procedure for the other side. Back at port, check tensions all around with Loos guage. or use rule of thumb of about 2 inches free play in shrouds.This might be an over simplification, but it will get you out on the water. Further adjustments will be necessary particularly over time.Fair Winds.

 

[Steve Korich]

Check the manual

I have tuned B&R rigs in the past (I am assuming the H28 is a B&R/no back stay rig) and have always used the instructions in the Hunter manual. I never needed special gages or equipment. Good luck.

 

[popscolly]

Split back stay

is what she has. That's why you need a Loos guage. The tension should be balanced and equal. It is the same reason why you tune a good guitar or violin and keep it tuned. The tension keeps the correct bend in the neck and prevents it from warping.