Tension of Standing Rig

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Seabee Chief

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Mar 1, 2010
10
Catalina C30 Westbrook, CT
Can anyone tell me all the tension requirements for all the standing rigging for my 1981 std Catalina? The dimensions are I=41, J=11.5 & P=35 if they are needed. I have been told that you are to tighten the fore then aft then upper port and starboard then spreader port and starboard while watching the shape of the mast. Is this all true? I'm sure there must be a step procedure to tighten everything. All the rigging is in good shape. I will be picking up a tension meter this weekend to try it out. Please let me know if anyone has experience in this.
Thanks,

Chief :confused:
 
jsalley

jsalley

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Mar 20, 2007
500
Catalina 355 Kilmarnock, VA
It's a little more complicated than that. First, the mast has to be set straight but with a few degrees of aft rake, which determines the degree of weather or lee helm. Then the shrouds and stays have to be tensioned in the correct order to 15-20% of breaking strength, which is determined by each wire's diameter. Finally, fine adjustment is made under sail. Suggest you check the C30 website or try a search here on "rig tuning".
 
S

Seabee Chief

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Mar 1, 2010
10
Catalina C30 Westbrook, CT
Thanks John for the info.
I knew it might be a little complicated. And will do some more research into tuning. The mast was up when we purchashed the vessel last November and we wintered over last year in the water with a short haul last June to tend to the bottom. The only shroud that was loose was the lower port shroud which I tightened up to equal the others by feel. The mast looks straight with a slight taper to aft as you said. She has performed very well all season as we have just been daysailing in 5-15 knot winds. I would just like to make sure she is all tuned up if we get caught in some higher winds.
If anyone has anything else to add, please feel free to chine in.
John, thanks again.

Chief ;)
 
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