Shroud tenion on H26

[Michael Bell]

I haven’t been able to find shroud tension information in the manual for my ’98 H26.Any specsThanks

 

[Jim Bohart]

Shroud tension

Thats because there is none, just follow the advice in the manual. The only absolute is not to exceed 15-25% of the breaking strength of the wire. You can find catologed wire strengths for 1x19 ss. wire in a library on line or from a local chandler.JBJB

 

[Steve Wright]

What will the hull take?

Jim, I have a 1995 H-26,I do not race, and I rig nowhere near 15 % ofthe breaking strength. But after four years I can visually see the hull deflecting up where the shrouds are attached. If I had a tightrig I think the fitting would be breaking off by now.

 

[Jim Bohart]

loose is far worse

When rigging breaks it's usually a case of it beng left loose for a period of time it gets more instant and higher stess when it is pulled tight suddenly. The rig should never never never have any slack in it. If you see a deflection in the Hull? where is it exactly? in the hull, the deck, or at the hull deck joint where the shrouds are attached. if it is deflecting it might need me attention. Is it the same on both sides?JB

 

[Michael Bell]

Shroud tenion on H26 - Part 2

How I’m currently adjusting the tension is…Uppers on both sides should have the same tension, likewise for the lowers. Both uppers and lowers need to be tight enough to put adequate tension on the front stay (roller furling) so that it doesn’t bow out under sail At the same time – all the stays need to be adjusted so that it rakes the mast back slightly (on my boat). That eliminates any pressure on the tiller when heading up (that's something you just have to play with until it's right.)You can also use the upper shrouds to bow the top of the mask back to improve sailing performance (I’m told). Something that I need to experiment with yet. I would suggest (to other novices like myself) to sight up the mast when under sail. If the tension is not correct, you might be surprised at what you see.

 

[Steve]

More info from Jim would be much appreciated!

I to have experimented with stay tension and could use a bit of factory guidance. (H26)I once got her too tight that you could sight down the rub-rail and see an upward deflection of +- 3/8", enough that I let off.But I'm still unclear on the amount of "rack" and mid position that the stays should be set at. Clearly a balance between the upper and lower has to be met while maintaining the forestay at a resonable tension.Thanks in advance....