Tensioning a rig

[Harry Gafney]

I have a 1986 Hunter 31 with the rake-back mast. What is the proper way to tension this rig when the mast is re-installed after winter storage? Also, what is the proper tension that should be applied to the cables. I have the owners manual, but it does not give a figure or a range. I believe I once read "the tighter, the better", but I want to make sure before I do that. I have a tensioning guage. Thanks for your help.

 

[Steve O.]

bad advice

The tighter the better is not good advice. You can damage the rig or the boat or both that way. Each wire has a max breaking strength and the tuning is done according to percentage of breaking strength, usually from 10% to 20% depending on the wire size. You must also take into consideration the pre-bend in the mast and truing the mast. Due to the individuality of each rig, it's too complicated to describe in a post. I recommend Brion Toss rigging website and his video.