Tuning the headstay?

[Al Goodman]

Have any mid-size Hunter owners tuned their headstay? My 1989 H28 has a Hood continuous-line furler over the headstay, and I've noticed quite a bit of sag in the headstay/furler when sailing upwind. I've looked over the bottom of the furler, but its not at all evident how I would go about tightening the headstay tension. Anyone done this before? What is the correct tension, and how do you measure it with the furling tubes covering the headstay? Last year a rigger tuned the shrouds and backstay, but didn't fool with the headstay; maybe he knew it was difficult? Any of your experiences would be helpful.

 

[Jim Anzalone]

Re-Tuning the headstay

I know it sounds simple, but did you try tighting the jib halyard. Also, you could try calling Hunter and asking them. They try to be very helpful!Jim, H28 ower!

 

[Dean Strong]

Brion Toss for tuning

Get Brion Toss's video on tuning, available at http://www.briantoss.com/main.html.The headstay should have sag in it; that is probably why your rigger left it. In fact he probably did tune it! I see a lot of posts from people who want to tighten their headstays, but the jib is cut for a certain amount of sag.Also, the correct amount of tension on the halyard is dependent upon wind conditions. The higher the wind, the more tension...just like the mainsail. Less wind, less Cuningham, more sail depth; higher the wind, flatter sail, more tension.Have fun.