R.Sager
01-04-2003, 01:24 am
Hello & Happy New Year to All, I have a question regarding standing rig tension. First what should the rig tension be? Next with a rig tension gauge where should it be measured? Lastly without a gauge best rule of thumb. Thanks R
Most of the time, tension is set at a % of the breaking strength of the shroud. Without a tension gauge a good idea is to strike the shroud to match the pitch in the opposing shroud to equalize the tension. However I would invest in a good tension gauge, you will use it for years and they don't cost a ton of money. As to where to place the gauge, the tension on the shroud is the same along its entire lenght so the answer is, it doesn't matter. Happy Sailing!!
John Nantz
01-08-2003, 01:40 pm
When sailing close-hauled the leward stays can be only very slightly loose. The idea is you don't want any "jerking" on any of the stays. Some boats are more flexible than others. This is just a quick answer.