Loos gauge questions

[SailingLoto]

I acquired this Loos gauge to help tune my catalina 25 awhile back.
What am I looking for numberwise? I understand the order of tightness amongst the stays/shrouds, how the gauge works.... I was just wondering if there was a preferred target number, or is this tool mostly for comparison to other cables on the boat? such as balancing your shroud tension ?

Thanks!

 

[dlochner]

Typical tensions are based on a percentage of breaking strength, usually in the 10-15% range. I use about 12 %.

Find the diameter of the shroud and the breaking strength. The table on the gauge shows the reading on the gauge and the amount of tension on the shroud. Looking at the quarter inch column, when the gauge reads 32 there is 480 lbs of tension on the cable. Once the tension is set, then it necessary to sail the boat and check the tension to get it tuned correctly. The gauge is useful for getting close to a good tune.

Having equal tensions, port and starboard does not mean the mast is straight or centered, it only means the tension on the wire is the same.

 

[Stu Jackson]

When I had my C25 (87-98) I thought about gauges, but learned that the two sizes of shrouds on my 1981 C25 would require two different gauges. Not worth the $$ so I used the technique detailed in all the Catalina masthead boats' manuals.

 

[Leeward Rail]

@Stu Jackson and @dlochner replies are right on the money.

Here is a Web page my friend used for his c25.

Catalina - Capri - 25s International Association

Catalina 25, Catalina 250, and Capri International Association, membership and information about the sailboat. This web site is made possible by Catalina 25, Catalina 250, and Capri 25 sailboat owners who have joined this International Association.

catalina-capri-25s.org

 

[SailingLoto]

When I had my C25 (87-98) I thought about gauges, but learned that the two sizes of shrouds on my 1981 C25 would require two different gauges. Not worth the $$ so I used the technique detailed in all the Catalina masthead boats' manuals.

That's how I've been going about thus far. It's a great write up. I just acquired the gauge and thought I would see if I can improve anything with it.

 

[SailingLoto]

Typical tensions are based on a percentage of breaking strength, usually in the 10-15% range. I use about 12 %.

Find the diameter of the shroud and the breaking strength. The table on the gauge shows the reading on the gauge and the amount of tension on the shroud. Looking at the quarter inch column, when the gauge reads 32 there is 480 lbs of tension on the cable. Once the tension is set, then it necessary to sail the boat and check the tension to get it tuned correctly. The gauge is useful for getting close to a good tune.

Having equal tensions, port and starboard does not mean the mast is straight or centered, it only means the tension on the wire is the same.

Where do I find the breaking strength of the cable?

 

[dlochner]

Go to a marine website that sells rigging wire and cable. Look up the size and type you have. You will need to know if the cable is 304 or 316 stainless and if the cable is 7x7 or 7x19. In the description the minimum breaking strength will be listed.

 

[higgs]

The gauge comes with instructions and an additional gauge to find out your rigging size. Perhaps you can get that information here:
How to use Tension Gauges - Loos & Company, Inc. - Cableware Division (loosnaples.com)