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Rig tuning

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Dinghy development
Forum Discription: The latest moves in the dinghy market
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3980
Printed Date: 17 Jan 26 at 7:17pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Rig tuning
Posted By: simski81
Subject: Rig tuning
Date Posted: 26 Feb 08 at 1:52pm

Hi

I am currently setting up a new rig. To achieve the same tension as the old rig I am having to put the shroud pins a lot lower. I am yet to check the rake but have noticed that there seems to be more spreader deflection on this mast compared to the old one.

So my question is this: does deflecting the spreaders decrease the distortion in the shrouds (explaining why the shrouds/forestay seem longer) or have I just got longer wires on this mast?

Obviously measuring the rake would go some way to explaining this but the mast is dropped and ready to tow so I won't be doing that until the weekend.

Thanks




Replies:
Posted By: NeilP
Date Posted: 26 Feb 08 at 3:12pm

Too many variables to be able to help much, I'm afraid. Spreader length, deflection and height could all be different, as could hounds position and forestay length. I'd certainly start with setting the rake and spreader settings the same as the old rig, then go sailing. It would be unusual to be able to just change it all over and go.

Neil



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No FD? No Comment!


Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 26 Feb 08 at 3:49pm
They could all be true... Longer spreaders and more deflection would tend to make the shrouds seem shorter though.


Posted By: Chas 505
Date Posted: 26 Feb 08 at 6:29pm

Many variables and assumptions in there.  Don't know your class, but here is our process: remember that the reason for all of the tuning is to get the mast to match the luff curve of the sail....worth asking the sail maker what they expect the luff curve to be before you start.

Assuming here that hound positions (where the top of the shrouds hook into the mast) and spreader brackets are uniform in position on both masts - from experience you might want to confirm this.

Then 4 steps to measure mast rake:

1 - measure the mast foot distance from the back of the boat - if that is out from the advised position then move it..!..The rails that most classes use for the mast heel allow for movement, by moving the bolts fore and aft.  I believe that 1 hole = 15mm movement.

2 - check that the chain plates (or the U bolts underneath) are bolted to the gunwale in the right position....you'd think that was a constant, really wouldn''t you, but worth checking.

3 - hoist a tape up the halyard, and lock the halyard off in the sailing position Check that it is the right height....in a 505, we measure back down to the gooseneck bands (21ft 2ins from memory).  No point measuring rake with a tape that is hoisted to a position different to the normal sailing one - again this affects the measurements.

4 - measure the mast rake, and shroud (or luff wire) tensions, adjusting until you are close to the desired settings.

5 - ensure that the spreaders are square to the chainplates.  We do that by tying a line between each, flipping the boat on its side; aplying tension and lining up the 2 bits of string.  Adjust till square and deflected right.

6 - then check that you have the right mast curve (prebend).  This is usually done by touching the halyard to the back of the mast on the goosneck tape, and measuring the bend in the mast at spreader bracket height.

7 - finally recheck the rake, tensions and prebend again to see what has just slipped out of position (and mark everything...!!)

hope this helps.


Chas



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Life is too short.
Work Hard; Play Hard; Sail a 505



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