Dyform or rod

30boat

30boat

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My Fulmar has a very thin section racy mast (why, I don't know) and despite having the caps and lowers set at 25%of the breaking strength of the 7mm wire I'm still not satisfied with the forestay tension in blustery conditions.I put that down to stretch in the wire wich at 7mm would be OK with a thicker section mast as fitted to later Fulmars,but mine being so bendy needs something stiffer.
Since it's time to replace the rigging anyway I was thinking of using Dyform wire,or going up a size to,8mm,in 1/19.Rod would be a possibility but maybe a bit OTT .
The problem with the thicker wire is that I would have to replace the mast fittings as well and I'd like to avoid that.
Either way,I would keep tensions at about the same level as with the existing 7mm wire.What I need is not more tension but less stretch.
As it is now the mast top never falls to leeward but I can't keep it from bending forward under sail,so maybe the problem is in the lowers.
The boat's strutcture is fine and there's no visible bending or undue creaking noises
So I'm not worried in that departament.
Any opinions?
 
The Fuilmar's mast is a pretty solid affair.

To get a decent amount of forestay tension, you have to really crank on the caps and the forestay, keeping the mast in column with the lowers. You do have to accept a bit of headstay sag with this type of rig. Runners are the only sure cure.

Don't worry about the backstay tension, it is only there to keep the mast up when running down wind, inducing a bit of bend, to help stop the mast pumping in a seway. It doesn't have much effect on forestay tension.

FWIW dyform is quite rough and will probably chafe your mainsail.
Just my twopenneworth.
 
Glad to see someone trying to make a Fulmar go - was once listed in Top 3 Boats I'd like in my Xmas stocking. But not stiff enough, so have you found a DIY bolt-on keel bit?
 
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FWIW dyform is quite rough and will probably chafe your mainsail.


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Must disagree with you on that. I've had Dyform rigging on my Ballad for the past five years, and no signs of roughness or chafe. To be fair, I have heard that some of the very early Dyform had rather sharp edges, But current production is fine.

I would recommend Dyform - stiffer & stronger than conventional 1x19, and not much more expensive.
 
Well,I don't think the thing is not stiff enough.After all it has a 42% ballast ratio and plenty of form stability.
What it has is a very big main in a 3/4 rig wich means it has to be reefed early rather than late.That rig is very tall.
My Fulmar goes like stink in a blow and doesn't fare too bad in light airs,given a clean bottom of course. But I can't stop throwing money at her so this time it's going to be a fancy standing rig.
 
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