322 mast rake
this is from the 322 manual: 2. STEPPING THE MAST - Continued base and end fittings to be sure that they are secure. Be sure the upper shrouds are wired where they pass over the spreader tip. Be sure to tape the spreader ends before stepping the mast or installing spreader boots. NOTE: Check all mast lights for function prior to stepping the mast. Be sure all turnbuckles are fully open. Step the spar on the deck onto the mast step. Be careful not to pinch the wires during the stepping. ALWAYS KEEP ANY PART OF YOUR BODY OUT FROM UNDER THE MAST DURING STEPPING. NOTE: The mast step was set at the factory to provide proper mast rake. Be sure to attach all mast light wires to their proper connections in the mast step before setting down the mast. The mast ground wire should also be attached at this time. All stays and shrouds should then be attached. Now, tighten the headstay, backstay, and upper shrouds to a hand-tight condition. For nw, leave the lower shrouds slack. Adjust the headstay and backstay to achieve a straight spar. This can be checked by sighting up the mast track of the spar. Next, tighten the upper shrouds to get the mast straight athwartships. To check athwartships s t r a i gh t n e s s , measure, with the main halyard, the distance from the masthead to the aft lower shroud chainplate- If the distances on each side are within one inch, the mast is satisfactorily straight. Finally, tighten the fore and aft lower shrouds no more than hand tight. Final tuning must be accomplished while sailing. In a 6-8 knot breeze, adjust the shrouds to achieve a straight spar on either tack. Care should be taken not to ove tighten the rigging. Some slack in the leeward shrouds is normal, when sailing in 6-8 knot winds- The rigging will need adjustment after a few sails to compensa t e for any wire stretch- Be sure to install cotter pins in all the clevis pins and turnbuckles, and bend them over and tape them. Starcraft Sailboat Products has no specific rig tension recommendations. Such tensions are applicable only in extreme racing situations. This procedure will provide excellent mast tune in 9 5 of all sailing conditions. NOTE: Final tuning for best performance will depend on local sea and wind conditions and the cut and set of your sails. 9-23-86 O’Day 322
