The shrouds on my 22C never appear to be tight enough but I have not a lot of experience with the 22C. When sailing the shrouds on the lee side of the mast are always loose, very loose but when the boat in not under sail they are all fairly tight. Is this due to the stretch of the cable or something that I am missing? I purchased the boat used and I can not tell how old the shrouds are; will older cables soften and stretch under a load? Any help or advice will be much appreciated. Robert
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Shroud Tension
The mast should be straight at rest, and when sailing. When sailing sight up the mast, it should be straight with no curve at the lower shroud attachment, and the top should not curve to leeward. You will always see looseness on the lee side especially when the wind is stronger.
The mast should be straight at rest, and when sailing. When sailing sight up the mast, it should be straight with no curve at the lower shroud attachment, and the top should not curve to leeward. You will always see looseness on the lee side especially when the wind is stronger.
Chain Plates
As Mick says, the lee shrouds will be fairly loose when wind is cooking. Many racers add turnbuckles beneath the decks from chainplate to bulkhead to keep the deck from flexing on the windward side which keeps the whole rig tighter and straighter I guess. For cruising, not to worry unless your decks are especially soft which would be a symptom of structural decay. RK
As Mick says, the lee shrouds will be fairly loose when wind is cooking. Many racers add turnbuckles beneath the decks from chainplate to bulkhead to keep the deck from flexing on the windward side which keeps the whole rig tighter and straighter I guess. For cruising, not to worry unless your decks are especially soft which would be a symptom of structural decay. RK
Loos gauge
Pick up yourself a loose gauge to set shroud tension, there is no way you can do this by hand. You can put your mast in column by using you main halyard, a mark on the toe rail on the exact spot on each side of the boat. (I use a 50' tape for this) Remember when setting shroud tension that the guide is just that a starting guide. I've added a link that should help you. Good luck
Pick up yourself a loose gauge to set shroud tension, there is no way you can do this by hand. You can put your mast in column by using you main halyard, a mark on the toe rail on the exact spot on each side of the boat. (I use a 50' tape for this) Remember when setting shroud tension that the guide is just that a starting guide. I've added a link that should help you. Good luck
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