Tuning the rig

[Leif Arneson]

The foot of the mast (forward end - opposite the retaining pin) on my hunter 19 (93-96) does not seem to be in full contact with the tabernacle. When the rig is defected fore and aft (as for example done by tensioning the topping lift) the opening visibly widens and closes, is this correct? Also, my forestay turnbuckle is two-blocked and therefore the mast’s rake can not be reduced to close this gap without developing excessive forestay sag. Mast bend, rake, upper and lower shroud tensions are all otherwise as close as possible to those recommend in the user’s manual.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Lief on tuning

First forget about the spacing at the mast step. Before I address this any further, please describe the double block and then I will respond further.The 19 water ballast is a nice boat but not many were sold. I was the one who everyone turned to asking if it should be continued after the 1996 production and it was dropped. I wish they would bring this little boat back.Dave Condon

 

[Leif Arneson]

Running backs

With “Two-blocked” I meant that the headstay turnbuckle was tightened as much as possible.Further messing around with the rig has shown that shroud tension on the H-19 (93-96) must be kept to a minimum, otherwise the gunwales will deflect where they are attached (creating cracks in the gelcoat radiating from the u-bolt’s backing plates).I am very curious how the rig is going to look under sail and beginning to understand why people complain about the windward ability of these boats. Without adequate headstay tension, I am worried that “pointing” is going to be restricted to what I can accomplish with my fingers. As a remedy to this problem, has anyone ever fitted a backstay or better yet, a pair of running backstays on any of Hunter's water ballast boats?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

info

It sounds your rig is too far forward. You need to rake the mast make some. Any play in the shroud turnbuckles. Also, you can tighten the shrouds a little more. The boat is solid.dave