Broad questions
Rob - For mast tuning thoughts, I'd start with tensioning the fore and aft stays so that the mast is only a couple of inches aft of straight up and down. Tie something like a wrench to the halyard and measure the distance it hangs aft of the mast to see how far aft the mast is raked. Tighten the fore and aft stays one half turn each at a time from that point forward so that the mast retains its position. Tighten each under the headstay deflects about an inch at head level with a 20 pound push. Next, tighten the upper shrouds so that the mast is perfectly centered over the boat, again using the halyard. This time take the halyard to one chain plate and cleat it off. Then take it to the other. It ought to reach both side equally. Then tighten each a half turn at a time until you get about an inch and a half deflection with your 20 pound push at head level. Next, tighten the lower shrouds until they are just a touch looser than the uppers. Sight up the groove in the mast to make sure it stays straight. Now go sailing - check all the safety pins to make sure you don't lose the rig. The boat should do everything reasonably well. Make sure the lewward shrouds are loose but not slack to ensure they don't jump out of the spreaders. If you need to do so - tighten things up. Makeu sure any changes you make are symetrical fore and aft and side to side. If you find lee helm - rake the mast further aft. Excessive weather helm - rake slightly forward. Remember heeling induces weather helm so make sure you are flat when deciding how to retrim the mast. As far as that topping lift goes - its hard to say. Sounds too short. I'd bet there should be a block at the bottom of the lift and and line from the boom to the wire to allow adjustments. This would give you the needed lenght. If you need more input on that design let me know. Justin - O'day Owners' Web
