Date: 11/10/98
Name: Jay Sawyer
email: js20243@navix.net
subject:Shroud tension
You probably won't find 2 owners that agree on how to set the tension and it may not matter. The fastest 3 or 4 national champions I've seen have the tension set from sloppy loose to super tight at 350#. They are set from 100-150# which is loose to 200-220# for medium to 300-350# which is real tight. Some tighten the shrouds as the wind builds. Some have the inners firm or medium and the outers about the same to let the top of the mast twist off to depower when needed.You start by letting the whole mast rake back letting out the forestay so the halyard with a weight hung on it is at least 18 inches back measured along the boom when the boat is floating. This is to get slight windward helm. Each boat is different but most I know have the mast raked back 24 inches for sure. Then tighten the side stays measuring with the halyard to the S and P chainplates to keep it centered. Sight up the mast sail groove to keep it straight. When sailing the backstay (which is loose) is tightened for the conditions.
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