Shroud tension
I have tried various settings over the last couple of years on my '89 H30G, using the Loos gauge. I find that 1000 lbs. in both the uppers and lowers and 500 lbs. in the intermediates works for me. (It's just a coincidence that these are such nice round numbers.) This applies about the right amount of mast prebend and prevents the leeward shrouds from sagging when close hauled in heavy air. It's very important to prevent the leewards from sagging, since shock loads can far exceed the static load needed to prevent sag. The boat owner's manual says the tension should decrease progressively from top to bottom, but I find that with less tension in the lowers, there is too much bend in the mast. The lower shrouds are what control mast bend on this boat. The backstay tension is fairly low. I can't remember the exact numbers on the Loos gauge -- it depends on the model gauge you have, but I think it's about 37-38 for the 1/4" wire on my boat. The gauge manual will tell you the correct numbers for a given tension for a given wire diameter. Bob England.
