Tuning the mast

woodster · Mar 20, 2015

All U Get said:
Hi all,

When we had our Catalina 30 I learned how to tune the mast only after seeing it leaning off to the side while it was at the slip after being launched. Now I have a more complicated rig and I just checked the box for recommisioning. Why has it become acceptable to not tune a mast when recommisioning? Isn't that like buying tires and having to say "This time I would like air in them." What have you encountered as acceptable for stepping a mast? I understand some adjustment needed after a few sails or as the shrouds stretch but wouldn't it be better to start off with the mast in proper alignment. Of all the items on that spring to-do list, tuning always seems so "je ne sais quoi". And yes "Please put the boat in the water when you launch it".

All U Get

thats is an up charge says Mr Haney

...seriously i do think they charge more to included that in the launch ...and it may be to let the boat relax to its suspended state when we launched my buddies boat they only set the wires to a snug tension all the fine tuning was done later

Captn TJ · Mar 20, 2015

We have an excellent marina that does a fine job of raising/lowering masts. However when they step the mast they only attach the shrouds to keep the mast secure.

Tuning is part science and part art. Correct tuning is also owner/driver specific - so one is better off learning how to tune the rig based on sailing requirements.

Instead of spending the money for them to tune it - buy a Loos gauge and download a tuning guide. FYI regardless of who does it you'll probably be 'fine tuning' once the boat gets on the water anyway.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Mar 20, 2015

Can't truly tune a rig until you go sailing. They should snug everything, then you should tune

Kermit · Mar 20, 2015

You can tune a sailboat rig but you can't can't tuna fish.

Anonymous 121765 · Mar 20, 2015

Kermit,

Also, you can tune a piano but, you can't tune-a-fish.

CR

Anonymous 121765 · Mar 20, 2015

All,

Tuning is important for proper sail shape & to avoid those explosive failures. If your rigging is not tensioned properly, there are many fittings that can fail. Loose rigging with an aluminum spar is a failure waiting to happen. I posted in a thread recently about adding an anchor roller in a C30 forum by my pal JRowan. The thread morphed somewhat & I added a post about fitting failure & older swage fittings. Although this was not about rigging per say, I posted some advice on things to check before failures occur.

I love tuning my rigging. When up, I use LOOS tensioner gauges & tune to minimum tension settings from the chart based on the cable diameter.

To make sure the mast is level straight, I use a plum bob. You can buy one or make your own, it's just a weight & string. I use my headsail halyard & run the plumb bob line up to within 6" of the mast top. The weighted end now very near the deck, will let you know whether to tighten more on port or starboard to get it straight. If your plum bob weight is not centered on the forward side of your mast, it is bending from the top down on one side or the other. You will know when it is straight. I then sail the boat a few times in varying conditions & again re-check my tensions (usually within a month).

You never want to over-tension your rigging, The LOOS guide has recommended settings. Older or stretched cable may have to be tweaked somewhat to get the desired effect. You also NEED to check your fittings especially if swaged before you tune. I only use 316 stainless all over my boat, both cable & fittings. Not the junk China shiz, which may not even be 304 stainless. Rigging is important, so should be the material used.

There's a certain sound when you twang rigging after tuning it that let's you know it's a beautiful sounding piano.

Just my take on this pal.

CR

woodster · Mar 20, 2015

captnron said:
All,

Tuning is important for proper sail shape & to avoid those explosive failures. If your rigging is not tensioned properly, there are many fittings that can fail. Loose rigging with an aluminum spar is a failure waiting to happen. I posted in a thread recently about adding an anchor roller in a C30 forum by my pal JRowan. The thread morphed somewhat & I added a post about fitting failure & older swage fittings. Although this was not about rigging per say, I posted some advice on things to check before failures occur.

I love tuning my rigging. When up, I use LOOS tensioner gauges & tune to minimum tension settings from the chart based on the cable diameter.

To make sure the mast is level straight, I use a plum bob. You can buy one or make your own, it's just a weight & string. I use my headsail halyard & run the plumb bob line up to within 6" of the mast top. The weighted end now very near the deck, will let you know whether to tighten more on port or starboard to get it straight. If your plum bob weight is not centered on the forward side of your mast, it is bending from the top down on one side or the other. You will know when it is straight. I then sail the boat a few times in varying conditions & again re-check my tensions (usually within a month).

You never want to over-tension your rigging, The LOOS guide has recommended settings. Older or stretched cable may have to be tweaked somewhat to get the desired effect. You also NEED to check your fittings especially if swaged before you tune. I only use 316 stainless all over my boat, both cable & fittings. Not the junk China shiz, which may not even be 304 stainless. Rigging is important, so should be the material used.

There's a certain sound when you twang rigging after tuning it that let's you know it's a beautiful sounding piano.

Just my take on this pal.

CR

would that be the key of E or D ???

Captn TJ · Mar 20, 2015

Oh by the way regardless of when you're going to tune the mast, cotter pin the turnbuckles as soon as the mast is up.

One of our dock mates decided not to do so because he wanted to wait for proper sailing winds. He forgot to pin them and a few weeks later the mast came down in the middle of a race.

Very expensive result and a lost sailing season.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Mar 20, 2015

captnron said:
Kermit,

Also, you can tune a piano but, you can't tune-a-fish.

CR

Certainly you can tune a fish- you just have to know what scale to use

Anonymous 121765 · Mar 20, 2015

Woods,

It's always in the key of C minus!

CR

Ron20324 · Mar 20, 2015

TSBB 2 said:
Certainly you can tune a fish- you just have to know what scale to use

Uummm... That would be a "Toledo Tuna". There's no meat, only scales