No magic
Chris - There are no hard and fast numbers for rigging tension. Instead you start with a ball park then adjust to get the boat dialed just right. Start with the fore and backstays. Set them up so that the mast is vertical and then tighten until firm. Then set the upper shrouds so that the mast is centered perfectly and set them firm. Go back to the fore and backstays and tighten them until it takes about 20pounds of push at shoulder level to deflect them an inch. You will need to alternate tightening each or the mast will rake forward or back. Then go to the shrouds and tighten until perfectly equal but not quite as tight as the fore and backstays. Lower shrouds should also be equal but not quite as tight as the uppers. Now sail the boat. Not pointing like you'd like? Tighten the head stay. Too much weatherhelm - loosen the backstay and tighen the head stay an equal amount to rake the mast forward - very slightly. Mainsail baggy - try pre-bending the mast. BEFORE YOU MESS WITH THIS STUFF THOUGH, I'D BUY A GOOD BOOK ON RIGGING SO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. Goodluck! Justin - O'day Owners' Web
