how to adjust one's new rigging

[alexlago]

hello,

I've just ordered a new standing rigging for my boat (colvic craft 34) and installed it on her.

I'd like to know if it is possible for someone (me) who has never done it before, to adjust the tension of shrouds and stays? and how?

Thank you.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Get a Loos gauge. Also read the Seldon rigging guide.
The tension seems scarily high but it's more dangerous to have undertensioned rigging than over.
Professionals often don't use a gauge and do it by feel.

 

[Stemar]

On my boat it's simple. If the head door still latches, it isn't tight enough . More seriously, there are other ways - metre rule and measure the stretch, for example, but I second the Loos Gauge, especially if you take the mast down to lift out regularly.

 

[Gwylan]

Get this book, worth every penny of not very much

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sail-Tuning-Illustrated-Nautical-Manuals/dp/1898660670

 

[vyv_cox]

Masthead rig? There is a setting up guide on my website.

 

[ghostlymoron]

Masthead rig? There is a setting up guide on my website.

Sorry Vyv, forgot to mention that.

 

[peter gibbs]

How to centre the rig: check the number of threads on the turnbuckles either side. Swing the halyard to either side and verify symmetry against the turnbuckles.

How to get the mast straight: this is a look up the mast job

Rake: a question of style to some degree but there are limits to the fore-aft bend a mast can take. 5 percent is often quoted.

Tension: providing you are not using a massive crowbar, the tension you can impart via the turnbuckles will be limited by your own muscles. Do not use a screwdriver if you want to save the turnbuckles from damage, use a flat instrument. A very firm tension (wire hums when struck by hand) is strongly recommended and left in place; slacking for the winter is absolutely the wrong thing to do.

Finish: turn the pins in on the turnbuckles, taping sparingly if required. Not using fancy metal / plastic tube covers allows you to regularly check all is well, and saves unpleasant surprises!

Following a new installation, check after a few trips out and be prepared to add upto one more turn of the turnbuckles to regain tension.

PWG

 

[Orion Jim]

You have two choices. One is objective....the Loos Tension Gauge. The other is subjective, also known as "how long is a piece of string". :ambivalence:

 

[KellysEye]

I used to tighten them until you can't pull the wire to one side, long distance sailing the wires stretch so you have to do that occasionally.

 

[davidaprice]

Get a Loos gauge. Also read the Seldon rigging guide.

The Seldén guide is here: http://www.seldenmast.com/files/595-540-E.pdf . And e.g. Force 4 sell Loos gauges. I have both (all 3 sizes of Loos gauge, since my previous boat was smaller), and club friends regularly borrow them. Since you mostly need them just once a season, it makes sense to share .

The other trick is when you sail for the first time (since tuning the mast) with strong enough wind to heel the boat right over, check if the lee shrouds are swinging loosely. If they are, take in a turn or two, tack, and do the same amount on the other side. Since you're just taking out the slack, you can do it by hand, without tools.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Buy a rigging gauge; the simplest one you can find. I use mine every season; no guessing and always right.

 

[Lodesman77]

Get this book, worth every penny of not very much

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sail-Tuning-Illustrated-Nautical-Manuals/dp/1898660670

+1

Also a Loos gauge.