Forestay adjustment

Apr 26, 2021
9
Hunter 306 CVDM
I have a 306 Hunter 2003 with a furling system for the jib. I was wonderig if i can adjust de foarestay tightness.
Is there a turnbuckle under the furlong system?
Thanks
 
Last edited:
Sep 25, 2008
7,408
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
You can, however, the tension affects the other standing rigging components including mast bend so look at the forest, not on tree. For example, backstay tension affect mast bend and forestry tension (as well as side stays) and mast compression. A simple answer like -just adjust the forestay turnbuckles - has unintended consequences.

You would be better served having a knowledgeable rigger look at your stays.
 
Nov 6, 2006
10,085
Hunter 34 Mandeville Louisiana
With the "backstayless" rig, especially.. the aft side stays probably would have to be adjusted to make up for the additional headstay tension.. Some pretty complex interactions in the standing rigging !
 
May 9, 2020
161
Hunter Legend 37 Harrison Twp, MI
@kloudie1 is right, have to look at the interactions, but not just in B&R rigs. Fairly universal that the headstay should be set to a length. True for all basic/common rigs (masthead, frac, B&R, in-line spreaders, swept-back spreaders). You adjust the forestay length to change the rake, which changes the balance of the boat. Longer forestay = more rake = more weather helm.

Forestay tension changes the forestay sag, but this is controlled by cap-shrouds on a swept-spreader; back-stay on a masthead online spreader; or running backs on a frac rig with inline spreaders.


@Pat cool skip my guess is you want to change the forestay sag, is that correct? Need to tighten the cap shrouds... might have to be pretty dang tight to get the upwind forestay tension you want... which is a compromise for downwind performance. Alternatively, you could add running backs as well, if you want more adjustability, and the potential to optimize both upwind and downwind sailing.
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,413
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Can you identify the mfg of the furler. As stated this is a B and R rig known not to have a backstay. In addition there are no turnbuckles on top of the spreader bars? Let me know
 
Jun 7, 2004
263
- - Milwaukee
My 356 with the B&R rig came with several sheets of rigging instructions. Among other things, it advised that a certain amount of forestay sag is part of the design. The instructions included advice on tension for all the side stays and diamonds.