Hi all, I have an oday 28, fin keel that I like to race in our club series. I usually do ok, but I haven't been able to point like I want. Other than sail trim, Someone suggested tightening the shrouds. Does anyone have recommendations for setting them with a Loos guage? Also, the winds on our lake are usually 5-10 mph. But in the winter, we see 15 - 20 mphs. How would the difference change the settings? Thanks for any help.
oday 28 set-up
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A loos gage will get them in the ballpark but you really need to do final tuning under sail in about 12 knots of wind. Lay on deck and sight up the mast under sail and see if the top of the mast is bending over to leeward? If the mast is bending and the leeward shrouds are slack your sail shape is being effected.
You can get rig tuning guides on the internet, too much info to type and share here.
You can get rig tuning guides on the internet, too much info to type and share here.
I've never thought of sighting up the mast while under sail. That makes sense. And, I guess that's how I would make future adjustments when the wind picks up later in the year? Or should I just get them tight now and leave it alone?
try these sites to get an idea of how to tune your rig:
http://neilprydesails.com/manual/rigtune.htm
http://www.fxsails.com/article_rigtune.php
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance-articles/33204-basic-rig-tune-most-sailboats.html
http://neilprydesails.com/manual/rigtune.htm
http://www.fxsails.com/article_rigtune.php
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance-articles/33204-basic-rig-tune-most-sailboats.html
Ok. So I have the shrouds snugged pretty good. I have 1 upper and 2 lowers. The upper is tighter the lowers. I did a sea trial in 10 knt winds and everything seemed straight. The lower leeward shrouds became slightly loose but the uppers remained taught. Should the uppers loosen too?or should everything remain taught? What am I looking for when fine tuning? I will be racing in our club fleet.
Thanks again for the help.
Thanks again for the help.
What I have been taught is tighten them using the loos gauge to the spec for that size wire after getting the mast plumb to begin with with a slight rake towards aft about 6 inches. In about 12 knots of wind see if the leeward shrouds go slack. If they do tighten them 1/2 turn each then tack to the other side, repeat the procedure until in 12 knots of wind the shrouds just don't become slack on the leeward side. In stronger winds they will become slack but they will be set tright and should then be pinned in place and the pins taped with rigging tape. Over time they may stretch a little so recheck periodically. You should be good to go. The uppers will be tighter because they are larger diameter wire so they will be set to a higher initial tension on the loos gauge.
I don't consider myself an expert in the subject but this is from reading I have done over the years. You should research the subject and spend some time learning from the experts. I don't race so it might be best to talk to others that do race to see what else they suggest.
I don't consider myself an expert in the subject but this is from reading I have done over the years. You should research the subject and spend some time learning from the experts. I don't race so it might be best to talk to others that do race to see what else they suggest.
I think I'm on the right track and almost there. I appreciate your help. I've been reading a lot and just to have someone confirm the procedure really helps. Thanks again.
To set the rake of the mast, first you need a calm day, then tie a heavy weight to a halyard and lower it to just above the deck behind the mast. Measure from the base of the mast to the halyard. Should be about 6 inches of rake. Our masts, if you have an Isomat mast typical on O'Day's is not intended to be "bent" to flattten the sail. It is a big bulky stiff aluminum extrusion. What you don't want is the mast bent or leaning forward.
To set the mast side to side run a halyard over to the toe rail on each side, adjust the uppers until it is the same distance, this means the mast is centered side to side and the rake is for fore and aft. Now adjust each shroud to the loos gauge, but don't do them one at a time, adjust each one a half turn and go all around until they are set to the gauge, now go sailing and do the final adjustment I described. When you sight up the mast track for the mainsail it should be nice and straight.
Best wishes on a successful rigging experience.
To set the mast side to side run a halyard over to the toe rail on each side, adjust the uppers until it is the same distance, this means the mast is centered side to side and the rake is for fore and aft. Now adjust each shroud to the loos gauge, but don't do them one at a time, adjust each one a half turn and go all around until they are set to the gauge, now go sailing and do the final adjustment I described. When you sight up the mast track for the mainsail it should be nice and straight.
Best wishes on a successful rigging experience.
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