Shroud tensions

[Mark Miller]

Under heavy wind this weekend, I noticed some slack in my shrouds. Does anyone know the correct tension to tune the rigging on my 26.5? Thanks for any help

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

No, but...

Certainly it would be a good idea to take up the slack, though not while under sail.

 

[Clayton]

Mark,I have been running my uppers at 480 and my lowers at 360 and have not had any trouble thus far. Definately don't want the leeward shrouds going slack. If the rig shakes at all, the shock loading on the standing rigging will be dramatically increased if any part of the system is slack. Regards,Claytons/v Walkabout

 

[Wanderer138]

Simple solution

All you had to do was ease sheets and stop the boat so that there was no load on the rig. Make sure you have room to drift to leeward and tie a light line to your tools so you don't lose them overboard.Now add a full turn to both turnbuckles, then sheet in and sail off close-hauled. If the sag in the leeward shroud is gone, your problem is solved. Check the other side by coming about onto the opposite tack. If you still see some slack, stop the boat and repeat the process.In reality, the numbers, i.e. the amount of load on the shrouds is not as important as the response of the rig. If you see slack in the leeward shroud then you don't have enough tension...it's that simple. One caution...make sure that your rigging and end fittings are in good condition. Inspect at the beginning of each season. Happy sailing.PeterH23 "Raven"