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Leeward Shroud

PostPosted: Thu Nov 25, 2010 6:02 pm
by Kurtm
Several months back my wife and I purchased a 1968 DS1. After considerable cleaning, buffing, and sanding we were able to take the boat out for a first sail. Wonderful day on the lake. My concern is with the standing rigging. I verified that the tensions were all correct but for some reason the Leeward shroud goes slack in any sort of wind over about 8mph. Is this a normal state of affairs for a DSI?

Thanks
Kurt

PostPosted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 1:08 am
by jdoorly
Yes, having the leeward shroud slack is pretty much the test for correct tension.

One of the previous owners of my DS kept the shrouds too tight which resulted in hogging the sheer. Without a full bulkhead near the chainplates and no floor or keel timbers the hull is easily deformed by tight rigging. The DS and its' jib is designed to allow a certain amount of slack in the headstay so you don't need to overtighten the shrouds.

PostPosted: Sat Nov 27, 2010 1:03 am
by algonquin
jdoorly hits the nail right on the head.

Over tightening can create undue stress on the sidestay mounts, rigging, and deck which can result in possible failure of the rigging.

If you feel you have sufficient tension when the mast is straight up and need to tweak a bit because the stay slackens to much to leeward check the hole where the mast goes through the cuddy roof to see if it has worn to a larger opening over the years. If so you can place a few small wedge shaped shims between the mast and the opening to help center the mast position. That will help reduce excess slack to leeward without over stressing the rigging. Brad

PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 10:02 am
by Kurtm
Thank you for the information. Having never owned a DS before it was just a bit of a concern to see part of the rigging go slack like that. If you both agree that this is normal then I guess all is well. Thanks again.

Kurt

PostPosted: Sun Nov 28, 2010 12:49 pm
by K.C. Walker
Here is a link to a reprint from the Daysailer Association's quarterly newsletter regarding setup and rig tuning. http://www.bobhunkins.com/rntds.PDF

I think that aside from using a tension gauge, that using the leeward shroud showing slack at 8-10 kn of breeze is a good setup for proper tension. Some top racers tension up quite high but then release the tension at the end of each day to avoid distorting their boats. Those people tend to run the same tension regardless of conditions where as other top racers will adjust the tension for conditions where they go for higher tensions with heavier breezes.

I like to run higher tensions when heavy weather sailing and sometimes do that while underway. If the leeward shroud is going too slack because of high winds I'll give it a couple of turns on the leeward turnbuckle and on the next tack even it out. I find if I am using more mast bend and vang tension that I also like more shroud tension.