Shroud Tension for 23.5?

[Dave L]

The mast on my 23.5 above the spreader bends leeward in light/medium to medium winds and the lower shroud is loose to the point when a puff hits it you can actually see the slack in the lower shroud wobble. I researched the owner's manual and could not find the tension specs.

I doubt that the previous and original owner ever touched the shrouds except to replace bent left turn t-bolts. Does anyone know what they should be? A couple of knowledgeable sailors in my club have tuned rigs and have agreed to assist as they have the appropriate sized Loos gauge. I just need the tension specs.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Ray T]

Shroud tension is set according to the diameter of the of the shroud. The loos either has the specs on the gauge or on a separate sheet. Go with the loos. If your rig is out of tune and you are looking for better performance you will be pleased with the improvement after the tuneup.

 

[George H260]

Dave: The objective is to ensure there are no slack leeward shrouds. As a general rule, when the rig is fully loaded up, the leeward shrouds should be beginning to appear to slacken. They can be deflected by hand, but not swinging loose. Since the H23.5 and the H260 are very similar, these instructions for tuning you boat may be helpful. A loos gage is helpful when tuning the shrouds but not essential.


Go to this link: http://h260.com/rigging/rigging.html

 

[Dave L]

George & Ray,

Thanks for the advice and the link. Last night I borrowed a Loos gauge and found I had less than 4% on the 5/32" shrouds. After the adjustment, the inner and outer shroud is now set at close to 15% of the break tension (30 on the P-1 Loos gauge) I refrained to adjust to the full 20% (39 on the Loos gauge) as I wish to sail it and see how she handles and what that does for my sail shape. I anticipate that I will do some minor tweaks on the forestay as it too is at the 30 mark on the Loos gauge. On the 23.5 I should have 4" swept back bend on the mast and I'll check that next time out when it's dead calm. (in Kansas that is very rare)

Again, Thanks for the advice.

 

[George H260]

Good instincts. I think you'll find that somewhat less than the 20% is sufficient. As previously noted, a loaded leeward shroud should not be slack but you should be able to deflect it with your hand. You just don't want significant shifting of the spar.

 

[Clark]

Dave, you can check the bend at the dock; just pull your halyard down to the gooseneck, snug it and make your bend estimate. If your uppers and lowers are close to where they should be, the bend won't change much under sail. Rake (or tilt towards the rear) is a little different. Your manual should state how much that should be; again while at the dock. Tie a wrench or something slender and hefty to the halyard and let it hang with the weight just above the boom. When all is quiet and no one is on the boat and major boat items are where they should be, check the rake and adjust your stays for the proper amount.
If the '30' reading for the forestay is at 15% for its diameter; that should be sufficient. Just check your bend and rake and go sailing!!