Sporty sail near Sharps island on the Chesapeake
Posted by Foolserrand376@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 21 comments
Posted by Foolserrand376@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 21 comments
FlickrPaul@reddit
I would put a couple of turns on those shrouds.
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
I have a loos gauge and at rest at dock it checks out. I did it about a month ago. I check it several times a year
FlickrPaul@reddit
It's fine to have the lowers that loose, but the intermediate and top shrouds should not be flopping around like that.
Also keep in mind, loos gauges are not precise instruments, they will give you a general number and you go from there based on how it feels and how the boat sails.
They work well for balancing the tension from side to side and getting you semi close to a base number, but should not be the only thing taken into consideration when tuning a rig.
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
Noted. I worry about over tension and shooting the mast through the keel. and the looseness you saw, is one of the reason I purchased the loos. Ever sail boat I've been on the leeward shrouds have always been loose. but on this boat they go slack like you see.
H0LD_FAST@reddit
make sure you use the correct column on the gauge for the size of wire you have. getting a 15 on the gauge doesen't mean your shrouds are at 15%. those are way too loose and are causing shock loads when the boat tacks
jonnohb@reddit
Yup definitely too loose if they are jumping around like that, snug them up and then tack and do the other side.
Finally_Adult@reddit
Mine kind of dance around on the lee side. I recently tuned it up but still sloppy. Is it okay to just tension them on the lee side and then tack to do the other side? Any chance I will mess up my mast rake or pull it to one side?
Would it also be okay to just put an equal number of turns on them when in the marina?
jonnohb@reddit
Yea count the number of turns and keep them even side to side. Most tuning guides I've ever read that's pretty much exactly what they suggest.
pttrsmrt@reddit
I think both will be alright. Double check with something heavy hanging from the main halyard to see if mast is straight.
pedal-force@reddit
Initially I was like "they're the leeward shrouds, they're supposed to be loose" and then I watched it again. Those are definitely looser than I'd expect, yeah.
justdick@reddit
They're supposed to be loose. That's how you know they're done to a perfect al dente. Oh, wait, sorry, no, that's spaghetti.
TangoLimaGolf@reddit
How do you like those North Radial sails? Do you find it makes a huge difference compared to Crosscut?
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
I like it. It was purchased used on the cheap and I had to cut several feet off the head and tweaked a couple panels to make it fit. It’s nearing end of life. Not sure I’d ever spend the real money on composite sails knowing their lifespan.
I am considering new sails. And radial Dacron could Be considered.
keltickiwi@reddit
Radial Dacron is an excellent choice. I have a jib in DCX cruising laminate and my main is Challenge Palma. Both very hard wearing and have taken some abuse this year.
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
nice looking sail BTW
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
my main is a hood cross cut using vectron. It too was lightly modified to fit by shortening by 12" and tweaking the leach/clew a smidge. Its got a ton of life left in it, but if I'm going to get new sails... IMO makes sense to get them done in pairs...
keltickiwi@reddit
SHOW US YOUR MAIN!
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
keltickiwi@reddit
Foolserrand376@reddit (OP)
Will do
word_grl@reddit
❤️ I have great memories as a teen of sailing around the lighthouse with my family