Rig Tuning Guide for Hunter 33

[Caspurr]

Looking for some good information wrt tuning the rig on the 2007 Hunter 33. I have a slight fall off to port side above the top spreaders.
I was able to get some out using the D1 and RD1adjuctments but still a slight bend.
This a lot more complicated than my old C&C 32 or K25.

I was able to find a tuning guide for the B&R rig but it did not mention the RD2 which i have on the 2007 H33.
Will try the D2 and RD2 adjustments as soon as i can get back up the mast.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

The best advice that I can give you is to follow the B & R instructions exactly. I know that your mast is up so bear with me.

The theory is that you tension the RD1 and RD2 evenly, with everything else loose, until there is a 2" prebend in the mast with the mast straight. (this is for a furling mast. Conventional sail requires more prebend) Once the mast is on the boat and centered the D1 and shrouds can be tightened, maintaining a straight mast. The shrouds tension the rig structure and the D1 and D2 pull the prebend out of the mast. As you tighten the D1 it will pull the prebend out in the lower section of the mast. You have to go up to tighten the D2 which will pull the prebend out of the upper section of the mast.
I would suggest that your port RD2 is probably too tight causing the mast to lean to port above the spreader.

If I were in your situation I would loosen the rig so that there is little tension on everything and you have a straight mast. Tighten the reverse diagonals until you have the required prebend and a straight mast. The turnbuckles on my boat are pretty well even on both sides and about half way closed when set properly. Then tension the rest as described above. You will have to go up and down a few times.

Good luck.

 

[Caspurr]

Thanks Jake...I will also check the RD2s with the LOOS before adjusting to see if there is a difference. A very small bend left in the mast at this point but want to understand how it all works.

 

[Jake N Eggs]

Be careful using the loos gauge. It does not take much to bent the mast so it may be difficult to tell what the actual tension is. You will be able to change the bend just by pulling on the opposite RD. When I rig the mast every year on the saw horses I can see a change in the mast straightness by turning the RD turnbuckles 1 turn. I have never used the loos gauge. I do it by eye. Straightest tool in the tool box.

Have a look at the upper mast bend when the main sail is loaded. It moves a fair bit.