Loos Tension Gauge Two-Step

[Max Treece]

Can anyone describe what the procedure is for tuning a Cape Dory 25 with the Loos Tension gauge? With older boats, should we not tighten down as tight as recommended? I'm interested in recommendations for Forestay, Backstay, Upper and lowers on the sides. I have the appropriate gauge but have lost instructions.

Thanks in advance.



metreece@duke-energy.com

[Seve Alarcon]

Max,

First, there are two types of Loos gauges. Which is yours?

As to tension, the purpose for pre-tensioning the rig is to reduce the shock loading. Since the wire will stretch with load, it's a good idea to take out some of that stretch by pre-loadinging, thus limiting the amount of standing rig movement when the load is applied. This allows the rig to stay "in column" improving performance. Given the strength of Cape Dorys, I'd expect that you should have no problem with applying the correct pre-tension loads - assuming that the wire size is correct.

Steve Alarcon
CD36 Tenacity
Seattle



alarcon3@prodigy.net

[Ken Coit]

Max,

I found the link below to be fairly thorough in its approach to tuning the rig.


Keep on sailing,

Ken Coit
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC

Can anyone describe what the procedure is for tuning a Cape Dory 25 with the Loos Tension gauge? With older boats, should we not tighten down as tight as recommended? I'm interested in recommendations for Forestay, Backstay, Upper and lowers on the sides. I have the appropriate gauge but have lost instructions.

Thanks in advance.

parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com

[bill willis]

Can anyone describe what the procedure is for tuning a Cape Dory 25 with the Loos Tension gauge? With older boats, should we not tighten down as tight as recommended? I'm interested in recommendations for Forestay, Backstay, Upper and lowers on the sides. I have the appropriate gauge but have lost instructions.

Thanks in advance.

Max,
I used Loos gages (2) on my CD25. Tuned the stays and upper shrouds to 420 and lower shrouds to 290, if I recall. This is 10 percent of breaking strength, which is 'bout right for cruisers. Stays and upper shrouds were 3/16" dia. and lower shrouds were 5/32" dia. Pretty sure of these figures, but since I'm not at the boat can't be 100 percent .
good luck
Bill



wawillis@toad.net

[Max Treece]

Steve, mine is the #2 size. It is the type that doesn't have pulleys that go over the stays.

Max,

First, there are two types of Loos gauges. Which is yours?

As to tension, the purpose for pre-tensioning the rig is to reduce the shock loading. Since the wire will stretch with load, it's a good idea to take out some of that stretch by pre-loadinging, thus limiting the amount of standing rig movement when the load is applied. This allows the rig to stay "in column" improving performance. Given the strength of Cape Dorys, I'd expect that you should have no problem with applying the correct pre-tension loads - assuming that the wire size is correct.

Steve Alarcon
CD36 Tenacity
Seattle

metreece@duke-energy.com