Kelpie
Well-Known Member
I'd like to get my rig properly set up but a Loos gauge is surprisingly expensive. Would be happy to pay a reasonable amount to borrow one. Does anybody provide this sort of service? Would need it to fit 6mm 1x19.
Can you hire a rig tension gauge?
- Thread starter Kelpie
- Start date
William_H
Well-Known Member
6mm implies a fairly simple mid sized rig. For my opinion you should not need a rig tension gauge. I don't believe a rig should be very high tension as many recommend. Too much tension is just too hard on the hull itself.
Actual adjust then is done by setting up the cap shrouds to make the mast central/vertical by using the main halyard as a measuring device taken down to the chain plates to get equal length. From there the intermediate shrouds are adjusted to get a bit of tension while ensuring equal tension by checking the mast is straight by eye or again pulling the main halyard down tight to the gooseneck to like for bend middle sideways. Assuming a simple mast head rig then intermediate inner (baby) forestay is tensioned to give a little (barely discernable) middle forward mast bend against a back stay which is adjusted to give tension to the forestay. Many boats have adjustable back stay tighter for stronger winds to discourage forestay sag under pressure. Then check the shape of the mast under strong wind full sail pressure and ensure it is straight
side to side. NB lee cap shroud and intermediate will always be quite slack. This is inevitable due to hull flex and wire stretch. A fractional rig is a bit more complicated where aft swept spreaders provide forward push to the middle of the mast. But it is end mast shape that matters and is critical to mast integrity. IMHO any more accurate setting up of rig with tension gauge will not improve performance, however you can use marks on the shrouds and measure stretch to estimate tension with a bit of fiddling. good luck olewill
Actual adjust then is done by setting up the cap shrouds to make the mast central/vertical by using the main halyard as a measuring device taken down to the chain plates to get equal length. From there the intermediate shrouds are adjusted to get a bit of tension while ensuring equal tension by checking the mast is straight by eye or again pulling the main halyard down tight to the gooseneck to like for bend middle sideways. Assuming a simple mast head rig then intermediate inner (baby) forestay is tensioned to give a little (barely discernable) middle forward mast bend against a back stay which is adjusted to give tension to the forestay. Many boats have adjustable back stay tighter for stronger winds to discourage forestay sag under pressure. Then check the shape of the mast under strong wind full sail pressure and ensure it is straight
side to side. NB lee cap shroud and intermediate will always be quite slack. This is inevitable due to hull flex and wire stretch. A fractional rig is a bit more complicated where aft swept spreaders provide forward push to the middle of the mast. But it is end mast shape that matters and is critical to mast integrity. IMHO any more accurate setting up of rig with tension gauge will not improve performance, however you can use marks on the shrouds and measure stretch to estimate tension with a bit of fiddling. good luck olewill
knuterikt
Well-Known Member
Using the folding ruler method described by Selden works, page 32 in linked document http://www.seldenmast.com/files/1456145028/595-540-E.pdf
Robert Wilson
Well-Known Member
Give Diana Shellcock a ring at Owen Sails, Tralee (01631 720485).
She may be able to hire-out their gauge.
Owen Sails can be a bit pricey, but they have always seen me right with assistance and services.
Good luck
She may be able to hire-out their gauge.
Owen Sails can be a bit pricey, but they have always seen me right with assistance and services.
Good luck
FirstAway
Well-Known Member
PM sent
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I've always been able to borrow a Loos when needed. Its well worth it, much easier and quicker than using a tape/ruler. As you say, the recommended tension is frighteningly high for an old cruising boat and I've usually stopped short of the limit although I've been told that it's impossible to overtension using normal spanners (unless you're Arnold Schwarzenegger).
Stemar
Well-Known Member
afterpegassus
Well-Known Member
I have one near Dornie if you want to pm.
Kelpie
Well-Known Member
If you can spare it for a short period that would be fantastic, thank you! I'll drop you a PM.