Re-rigging the mast to specs
Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2017 10:38 pm
Hi all, it's been a couple of weeks. I've been busy with other projects, but today I spent the whole day re-rigging the mast to try to correct the poor job a previous owner had done adapting a mast to this boat.
Based on the North Sails tuning guide, I determined that my mast was a little too long. I trimmed off 8 1/2" from the bottom, and reattached the tabernacle. Then, I moved the forestay and shrouds up by the same amount, putting the top rivet of the strap at 15' 1", and the pin of the shrouds at 14' 10". The only difference was, I attached the forestay at the same height from the tabernacle as the shrouds. The tuning guide specifies that the shrouds should be attached 15' 3" above the base of the mast at the cuddly bulkhead, but it doesn't say if that is the top of the strap, the pin, or the point where the strap angle meets the mast. Before, the forestay had been about four inches lower. I wasn't sure if this was correct as the tuning guide only specifies how high to attach the shrouds, but doesn't mention the location of the forestay.
Well, as you can probably tell from the photo below, I have a bit of forward rake. I measured the distance from the masthead to the stern gunnwhale and it was 26' 1", about a foot longer than the tuning guide specified.
Besides this change in mast points, I also fabricated a topping lift, based on the StingySailor.com article. I made the lifeline with swaged eyes myself, but its a bit short. Not a problem, but the line I used to rig it to the boom is also to short, so I am again going to have to buy more line.
BTW, the measurements guide specifies a 44' main sheet. Really? My new one is a little short at 27', but 44' seems a little too long. Thoughts? I was going to go with 35', but I wanted to ask your thoughts.
Anyway, back to the point. After the trig session shown in the second photo, I have determined I should raise the shroud attachment point to 15' 3" from the base of the mast at the top rivet, and lower the forestay attachment by 2" to 14' 11" at the top rivet. Doing this should set my rake at 25' 1" to the stern from the top of the mast (well, as far up as the halyard can hoist my tape measure, anyway.).
If I can find more stainless rivets, I'll do it tomorrow. But, I have ransacked the three nearest TractorSupply stores near me, and none have 3/16" x 1/4" any more. The fourth store within driving distance will be my target tomorrow. Otherwise, I'll have to order them online and wait.
And, three weeks since I sent my motor in to get fixed. It needs a new carb. I don't understand why it's taking so long. I know it's old, but lets be real. There isn't a product on this planet that can't be ordered online and delivered in a week.
Based on the North Sails tuning guide, I determined that my mast was a little too long. I trimmed off 8 1/2" from the bottom, and reattached the tabernacle. Then, I moved the forestay and shrouds up by the same amount, putting the top rivet of the strap at 15' 1", and the pin of the shrouds at 14' 10". The only difference was, I attached the forestay at the same height from the tabernacle as the shrouds. The tuning guide specifies that the shrouds should be attached 15' 3" above the base of the mast at the cuddly bulkhead, but it doesn't say if that is the top of the strap, the pin, or the point where the strap angle meets the mast. Before, the forestay had been about four inches lower. I wasn't sure if this was correct as the tuning guide only specifies how high to attach the shrouds, but doesn't mention the location of the forestay.
Well, as you can probably tell from the photo below, I have a bit of forward rake. I measured the distance from the masthead to the stern gunnwhale and it was 26' 1", about a foot longer than the tuning guide specified.
Besides this change in mast points, I also fabricated a topping lift, based on the StingySailor.com article. I made the lifeline with swaged eyes myself, but its a bit short. Not a problem, but the line I used to rig it to the boom is also to short, so I am again going to have to buy more line.
BTW, the measurements guide specifies a 44' main sheet. Really? My new one is a little short at 27', but 44' seems a little too long. Thoughts? I was going to go with 35', but I wanted to ask your thoughts.
Anyway, back to the point. After the trig session shown in the second photo, I have determined I should raise the shroud attachment point to 15' 3" from the base of the mast at the top rivet, and lower the forestay attachment by 2" to 14' 11" at the top rivet. Doing this should set my rake at 25' 1" to the stern from the top of the mast (well, as far up as the halyard can hoist my tape measure, anyway.).
If I can find more stainless rivets, I'll do it tomorrow. But, I have ransacked the three nearest TractorSupply stores near me, and none have 3/16" x 1/4" any more. The fourth store within driving distance will be my target tomorrow. Otherwise, I'll have to order them online and wait.
And, three weeks since I sent my motor in to get fixed. It needs a new carb. I don't understand why it's taking so long. I know it's old, but lets be real. There isn't a product on this planet that can't be ordered online and delivered in a week.