LOOS Model B (#90) shroud tension gauge

[Steve Ullrich]

I found a LOOS Model B tension gauge in a box of stuff left on board by the previous owner. I've been looking through the archives trying to find out how to use it with mixed success. I gather the rigging should be tensioned to 20% of breaking strength. What would that be on an H23? Second: I didn't find any instruction and from looking at the pictures of the gauge I'm not 100% sure how to use it!

 

[Ron]

Loos

You need 10% on the lower shrouds and 15% on the uppers. You need to find out what the breaking strength of your shrouds are and then find 10 and 15% of that. On the back of the gauge there should be a chart showing different pounds. Find the one you need then look to the left for a number...i.e. 960 lbs is 42. Hook the loos gauge on your shroud and pull it back using the string until the pointer lines with the mark. Look to see what number lines up with your shroud. If it is 35 you need to tighten. If it is 45 you need to loosen. This will give you your static tune. Then you got out on a windy day and do a dynamic tune on the water. Hope this makes sense to you.... Ron

 

[Steve O.]

wire strength

You can get the max break strength of the wire from the West Marine catalog. Look up the rigging wire and there is a chart next to it.

 

[Steve Ullrich]

Ron, Steve

Ron, it all makes sense. Steve, thanks for the tip! I should be good to go.Steve