Hunter 216 rigging

[Karl]

I just bought a 2004 Hunter 26 which was on the lot for a year. So, how should i adjust the shroud tension? I know that the mast has to be straight, and I adjusted the upper shrouds to make this happen. But, when I took it out in moderate winds, there was a lot of creaking noises, and the mast was moving relative to the U-slot in the top of the hull. I went home and looked in the on-line manual (Which seems pretty skimpy)and they reccomend adjusting the tension until the top of the mast is bowed aft by 2 inches. I'm going to try this, but I was wondering if this will apply enough tension to keep the mast stable, and how much creaking and moving of the mast is acceptable? I also have another problem which I believe is related. The main sail does not raise all the way. It seems like this is related to the shroud tension, since it seems like the mast is bending slightly when raising the mail sail, which I think is causing the sail to bind in the sail track. At first it was about a foot short, and after some re-adjusting of the shrouds, it would be about 6 inches short. Occasionally it will go up all the way. Any ideas?

 

[jacktar]

Same problem

Know what you mean. We have one of the first 216s and had the creaking, etc. Tensioning per the manual just doesn't seem right. Well, anyway, we finally bought a Loos 91 tension gauge for use this season and Hunter gives the readings for proper tension, so we'll see. As for raising sail, same problem. "STOOPID"! mainsheet was cleated so boom couldn't rise. Good luck!

 

[John6017]

check the archives

here is link to archives on same subject

 

[Jeff Prideaux]

mast

I don't have a tension gauge but my shrouds are tight enough so that there is no play in the mast relative to the U-slot in the top of the hull. When I rig it, I first attach the shrouds and then the gib (with integral forestay). I use the trailer wench pulling on the mainsheet halyard to bend the mast forward to be able to attach the gib. If you aren't doing some trick like this, then your shrouds are probably too loose. When raising the mainsail, be sure to have both the mainsheet and boom-vang loosened. That's usually the reason when I can't raise the mainsail up all the way.

 

[John6017]

sight up mast

stand in the cuddy and look right up the mast track with your eye next to the mast. This will help you to determine if the mast is bent sideways causing your sail to not go up easy.