Tuning the Rig....where to begin

[NYSail]

Hello all,

Well the boat is in the water and floating proudly in her slip! Now for loading it up with "stuff" and tuning the rig.... I do my own tuning, however for whatever reason forgot where I began. I have a Pearson P36-2 with double spreaders so I have lowers, intermediates and upper shrouds. Where is it recommended that I start... with the back stay then to the shrouds? I do have my manual with instructions and I do have the tension guage, but they are at the boat and its bothering me that I can't remember right now....

Figured I post it here to put my mind at ease for the rest of the day

Thanks!!

Greg

 

[Tim R.]

Here is my procedure:

Snug up the fore and aft then start with the upper shrouds. The key is to ensure that the top of the mast is centered P and S. Once the mast is centered, tune the fore/aft. I have an adjustable backstay so my headstay always stays the same length. Just one point of tuning not to worry about.

Next do the intermediates(slightly less tension than the uppers) making sure to keep the mast in column and then the lower fores and lower afts. I generally tension the fore lowers a little more than the aft as main sail trim can affect this.

Next go out and sail it. My lee lowers generally slacken when well over. The key here is to ensure that the mast stays in column when sailing.

 

[Tom Monroe]

My process ...

1. Adjust so that the masthead is aligned port/starboard.
2. Adjust masthead fore/aft. A good starting point is such that a weighted main halyard hits the boom a couple inches back from the gooseneck. May need to adjust later depending on helm.
3. Look up mast. Any bend? Adjust shrouds to remove bend.
4. Adjust tension all around to spec for boat.
5. Check tension in 15 mph breeze ... not too much slack in shrouds.
6. Adjust again in a couple weeks after a bit of stretch.
7. Adjust again at height of summer heat.

Works for me.

Tom

 

[CarlN]

Selden mast has an excellent PDF guide to tuning. Scroll down until you find the document called "Hints and Advice" under the category "Rigging Instruction"

http://www.seldenmast.com/frameset.cfm?id=5564&randnum=719195955

Carl

 

[Joe]

I have an adjustable backstay. I set the forestay for desired rake, which on my masthead rigged C27 is nil. I use the backstay to control headstay sag.... I would never use a tension meter for fore and aft adjustments. Following the selden guide will be fine........ or just google "mast tuning guide" and you'll find oodles of info from the various sail and spar makers. Most recommend starting at the top and working down. In other words, get the mast perpendicular first with the uppers, then straight with the inters and lowers. Fine tune on the water.