Rig Tuning

[David R. King]

I have an h26 which needs the mast repositioned. My boat is always in the water, so I won´t have to deal with raising and lowering the mast. The owners´manual says that a plumb line from the top of the last to the boom should fall 4" aft of the mast. But a friend, who is knowledgeable about shch things, says that the mst should have a slight bend forward from the lower shrouds. My problem is excessive weather helm. Any suggestions? Thanks. David King

 

[John Revenboer]

H26 rigg tunning

I had the same problem with my 2001 H260, far too much weather helm. With help from someone considerably more knowledgeable in rig tunning, the problem was solved and the difference is like day and night. The first thing I had to do was purchase a Rig Tension Guage. You can get a Loos Rig Tension Guage from West Marine, page 970 in their new 2002 Master Catalog. The two cable sizes on my H260 are 1/8 and 5/32. Then I had to spend as much time as needed to meticulously set up the rigging exactly as stated by Hunter. In my Hunter 240

 

[Tom Wootton]

My manual says 6 inches

I have a 1995 H26 and the mast rake of a plumb line from the masthead to the boom is specified as 6 inches, not 4. Maybe it's different for different years.I agree with John that tensioning the shrouds correctly with a guage makes a world of difference. The H26 shrouds are 3/16".

 

[Ray Bowles]

David, If you send me your e-mail address I will

forward an entire mast tuning write-up on the H26 that includes bend and tension and how to do it.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Mark]

please send rig tuning info

Just bought a '94 H26. The previous owner said he played with the rig tuning but I may want to work on it some more. The first time sailing I definitely hava a weather helm in 10 knot gusts. Would appreciate the instructions for rig tuning you have. My email is waremd@msn.com. Thanks!

 

[Tim S.]

Yes Rig Tune and set up are important.BUT, do not overlook the possibility of needing a new mainsail.If your main is old and the draft has moved back in the sail, this will affect how your boat handles.As draft moves aft, lift goes to leward, causing more heel and subsequently more weather helm.If tuning your rig to the manufacturers specs does not help your helm problem, have your sails looked at.