Rig cable tension

[Pegu club]

Me and the Admiral just purchased a Bristol Corsair 24.7, and it will be getting the mast stepped in the next couple of weeks prepping for it going back into the water. I am hoping on a recommended shroud /cable tension information, it would appear these boats can have issues from over tensioning the shroud lines. Any direction or info would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[Faster]

Try to get your hands on (ironically enough) a 'Loos gauge'.. it's a tool for adjusting rigging tension repeatably. As far as the actual specs for that boat, hopefully someone will chime in. I believe the gauge comes with some guidelines by wire size.

[Pegu club]

Originally Posted by Faster

Try to get your hands on (ironically enough) a 'Loos gauge'.. it's a tool for adjusting rigging tension repeatably. As far as the actual specs for that boat, hopefully someone will chime in. I believe the gauge comes with some guidelines by wire size.

Are these loos tension gauges used at marinas when stepping masts, is this a common practice?

[jgeissinger]

Faster is correct. The tension has to do with wire size, not the boat. The Loos gauge will come with some pretty good instructions.

[capttb]

I believe most riggers do a static tune to about 10% breaking strength of the wire, tighten a little by eye and feel, then sail it in 15 knots and dynamic tune from there. I've checked tension under sail then tuned at the dock using the "tuning fork" method for equality ( ya rap the shroud with your spike and adjust till the pairs ring the same note). Takes a few more checks and adjusts to get things fine tuned.
Oh, did I mention you also have to keep checking to make sure you are still "in column" (mast still plumb and true in English) etc. etc.

[capttb]

Just discovered there's a sticky on the gear & maintenance forum that's titled "Tuning your rig". Might want to look at it, I can only type with 2 fingers at a time so it's much more detailed than you'll ever see from me.

[RichH]

Here ya go .... probably the best and most thoroughly comprehensive rig tuning guide on the internet, including a section that yields 'precise' rig tension using only a 'meter stick' although a Loos, etc. tension gage is easier/faster. http://www.riggingandsails.com/pdf/selden-tuning.pdf

Proper rig tension is quite important ... it yields proper sail 'shape', especially the jib or headsail. For most 'cruising' sails, the sailmaker designed and cut those sails 'expecting' that your rig tension was set up to about 12-15% tension.

;-)