Would anyone suggest what a torc-wrench value should be in adjusting/tightening the 1) inner shrouds and 2) the outer(upper) shrouds? For cruising, not racing. Also, is there a value (torc-wrench) for the forestay/backstay?
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Question remains
I am about to buy a 1984 Catalina 30, the shrouds appear to be loose, what should the tension be? Thanks
I am about to buy a 1984 Catalina 30, the shrouds appear to be loose, what should the tension be? Thanks
From the factory,
Quoting from the Catalina 310 manual (as well as most Catalina manuals up to this size) "The upper shrouds should be firm but not bar tight. A 50 pound push should deflect the upper shroud about 1" at shoulder height. The lower shrouds should be looser than the upper shrouds. While at the dock, they should have no slack, but no tension either. No lower shroud when pushed should deflect the mast more than any other shroud when pushed with an equal force. It this cannot be achieved, the upper shrouds are to tight. Back off the tension of the upper shrouds a half turn at a time until the lower shrouds are brought back into balance." Now from my experience. I tune my lowers tighter than recommended in the manual. I use the Loos gauge and set all tensions at 10-12 percent of published wire breaking limits. The goal is to have the mast perfectly straight both at the dock and under sail. The leeward shrouds should not be flopping around when the boat is heeled, sailing to windward in up to 15 knots of wind. My shrouds are quite firm. I sight up the mast from the front and the side, even while under sail to check if it's straight. Both Brion Toss, and Loos Co have excellent explanations on why well tensioned rigging will be more reliable and last longer. http://www.briontoss.com/ Have fun with your tuning!
Quoting from the Catalina 310 manual (as well as most Catalina manuals up to this size) "The upper shrouds should be firm but not bar tight. A 50 pound push should deflect the upper shroud about 1" at shoulder height. The lower shrouds should be looser than the upper shrouds. While at the dock, they should have no slack, but no tension either. No lower shroud when pushed should deflect the mast more than any other shroud when pushed with an equal force. It this cannot be achieved, the upper shrouds are to tight. Back off the tension of the upper shrouds a half turn at a time until the lower shrouds are brought back into balance." Now from my experience. I tune my lowers tighter than recommended in the manual. I use the Loos gauge and set all tensions at 10-12 percent of published wire breaking limits. The goal is to have the mast perfectly straight both at the dock and under sail. The leeward shrouds should not be flopping around when the boat is heeled, sailing to windward in up to 15 knots of wind. My shrouds are quite firm. I sight up the mast from the front and the side, even while under sail to check if it's straight. Both Brion Toss, and Loos Co have excellent explanations on why well tensioned rigging will be more reliable and last longer. http://www.briontoss.com/ Have fun with your tuning!
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