Hunter 146 stay tension

[rncarlberg]

I'm new the 146. While sailing on Saturday in 12-15 mph wind, I noticed that the lee stays was quite slack. Should I be worried? When not under the load of the sail, the stays seem quite tight. I have search the forum for the last few years and I don't see issue discussed. I'm looking for guidance on the proper mast stay tension.

Thanks,
Ralph

 

[esterhazyinoz]

It's normal for the lee shrouds to be loose if you were on a beat to windward. I have found very little published about shroud tension particularly for simple daysailers like ours that only have 2 shrouds. One piece of advise I received from another HunterOwners contributors was to do this: Lay down on the cockpit sole with your head touching the mast. Sight up along the length of the mast to make sure it is straight. If not, adjust the shroud adjusters until they are. Do you have the Johnson quick shroud adjusters? They make stepping your mast and shroud adjustments very easy.
Most discussion about shroud adjustment usually deals with larger boats that have upper and lower shrouds.

 

[rncarlberg]

Thanks for the reassurance. I do have a Johnson stay adjuster on the port side. Do you have them on both sides?

 

[esterhazyinoz]

Yes on both sides.