Mast alignment

[Warren Kaplan]

Bill & Mark,
I also realized that I'll need 2 guages for the CD27 because of the wire size. While we're on the rig tensioning subject, is there a technique for doing the setup. What I mean is this. Do you, for instance, do the lower shroud on the port side and then do the lower shroud on the starboard side? Then alternate back and forth from side to side with each wire? Certainly cranking up one side has to have an effect on the tension on the other side. I suspect its a step by step process of gradually tensioning the wires again and again until all measures right on the guage. Sort of like gradually tightening screws all around on a metal plate. Does that Brian Toss CD show the proper way and order of tensioning the standing rigging?

Thanks guys,
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27



Setsail729@aol.com

[Bill Goldsmith]

Warren,

Toss says well respected riggers disagree on whether to start with the uppers or lowers first. He says either will work, although some swear one over the other. The argument in favor of lowers first is that you get the bottom of the mast done, and then finish off with the top. (Before doing lowers first, there has to be enough tension on the uppers to ensure the masthead is where you want it.) The argument in favor of doing the top first is you get to position the masthead correctly fore 'n aft and abeam before doing the lowers, then do the lowers to bring it into column. I have done the lowers first, but only after bringing the uppers into some minimal tension for placement first.

Your characterization of the process is accurate. Bring all four lowers to approximate same tension together, rather than tightening one alot and then the next, etc. It means alot of jumping back and forth over the coachroof. It also means alot of sighting up the sail track to ensure a column. The Toss video, rather than giving a step by step instruction, describes his technique and "mindset" about tuning.

Bill

Bill & Mark,
I also realized that I'll need 2 guages for the CD27 because of the wire size. While we're on the rig tensioning subject, is there a technique for doing the setup. What I mean is this. Do you, for instance, do the lower shroud on the port side and then do the lower shroud on the starboard side? Then alternate back and forth from side to side with each wire? Certainly cranking up one side has to have an effect on the tension on the other side. I suspect its a step by step process of gradually tensioning the wires again and again until all measures right on the guage. Sort of like gradually tightening screws all around on a metal plate. Does that Brian Toss CD show the proper way and order of tensioning the standing rigging?

Thanks guys,
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27

goldy@bestweb.net

[D. Stump, Hanalei]

All Captains Commanding,

I believe you are all right. Yes, tensioning takes time, Jump from side to side, what to tighten or loosen first? Start with what you are familiar with, maybe count threads side to side in each turnbuckle, then throw on the guage (sorry for the two guage requirement for different wire sizes, I wasn't aware of that, but that's what ya gets for having a 27!) so, yes, dancing is required, but it only took me about two hours to do it the first time, this year - a cinch! Oh, look up the mast, things should be straight. Walk down the dock, look at her, is she in column (the vessels mast, NOT your Mate<you could get in REAL trouble here!>). The stick should be straight up and down and fore and aft! Get away from her and look at her!

Oh, and when you finish to your satisfaction, go to SEA! Beat hard to weather, and sight up the mast, stand in front of it and look up, is the top hooked to Port or Starboard? Some adjustment may be required, but only a little! That mast must stay in column!

The reason for the 12-15 percent: when I tensioned to settings recommended by Loos, the rig seemed to be VERY tight. Enough so that I thought the tension would force the mast through the cabin top! So, yes, I did NOT tension to the recommended tensions of Loos. In the end, FEEL your rig! (Well, the vessels rig, NOT yours!) If everything is even, and it feels right, it probably is(no sense to get A.R. about this!) In the end (the vessels, NOT yours), it is fun, and it just may help you win THE RACE!

If I have offended, I appologize, got into the GROG tonight. But what has been described is exactly how I will do it again this year......I remain Sirs,..........your most HUMBLE servant.........

Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
CDSOA #1

[Mark Yashinsky]

As w/ anything where a number of items need to be tensioned to the same value, work in a pattern, going around and around tensioning each a similiar percentage and checking tilt, rake, bend, twist, etc, till everything is where you want it. For example, doing lowers, then uppers, fore/backstays take the slack out. How is the mast, take the tension up to 50% final values, doing them in the same order. How is the mast??? Continue if ok, else figure what is off. Go around again, going to 75%, then check, then go to your fianl and check again. Go sailing, let her sit for a while then, guess what, the tension has changed as the boat takes a set.
Another hint, dont try the tensioning w/ anyone (the clubhouse judges) around. You will give them much entertainment and much fuel for comments!!!

[Don Sargeant]

My sail design guy said, when checking out his design installed on Coquina, that the uppers should be set to at least 1000 lbs on the Loos guage. I chickened out at 900 lbs or so but even that amount improved the helm tremendously.
Don Sargeant
~~COQUINA~~
Cd25D #189