Rigging and Mast Raising

[Doug W]

Suggestion: You might want to investigate a Johnson quick release lever, especially if you tension the stays with a Loos gauge.

I'm actually very interested in the ability to tune the shrouds. With the factory rigging, I couldn't see using a Loos gauge. I keep it where Supersport Marine set it the initial time we raised the mast. To me, it seems that it should be a bit tighter but I cannot adjust the shrouds to the next hole--way too tight.

Is this the lever to which to refer? https://www.westmarine.com/buy/c-sherma ... oCvK_w_wcB

I just replaced the shrouds last year with a new set from BWY. To install the Johnson lever, do you have to re-work the shroud length? Are special tools required?

Thanks!
Doug

[Doug W]

Great video, Doug!

I will use some of these rigging mods for this season. I really like the idea of using a carabiner on the MRS.

That video was shot the first time we raised the mast this year and the first time since my foot surgery. Originally, I was going to set up multiple angles and do close ups--but it was chilly and it was one of those days where things just did not go as smoothly as it normally does.

I was going to re-shoot the entire thing--but then decided use the one camera shot and show warts and all. Things like the BWY mast pin which is used in place of the bolt. Sometimes it goes in--slip, clip and done. Other times, like in the video, I had to straighten the rotation of the mast so that the mast plate holes lined up and quit binding.

Normally, I have to retrain myself every season on tying bowlines... heck, I was happy that I did a few sloppy bowlines first try... chuckle.

I like seeing how others rig and raise on their boats too!

Doug

[Nauti Nell]

I'd like to do a second to Doug's question re the Johnson lever. My boat came with one and in all the other things that come up to a newbie I have not spent any time to look into how to attach it. I do have what I think is a new fore stay but have not taken it out of the rigging box to see how long it is. It does have a funky piece on the end that has threads on it. (the boat also came with two complete sets of new running rigging all neatly labeled) Also have what looks like two older shrouds that appear to be in good shape. No frayed wires or corrosion.

[reastmure]

Just a small suggestion that saves a lot of headach with raising/lowering the mainsail: I spray each slug with a small shot of Mclube as they go into the mast track. Makes raising
/lowering the main a breeze.

[Nauti Nell]

I seem to have not finished my last post here. Sorry, over 60 and enjoyed the late sixties / early seventies.....
Is there a good reason to keep old standing rigging on board. Of the two sets of running rigging I keep one on board and one at home. Is there any reason to have the second set lying around? The running rigging on the boat is only a couple of years old and been kept out of the sun until I put her in a slip last year.

[Tomfoolery]

Maybe one of each, but I wouldn't keep it all there. I do keep a box of fittings, pins, shackles, etc., along with boxes of nuts/bolts, electrical, and so on. If you have a swage tool and some copper ovals, or just some proper sized clips (what some call 'clamps') you could always make an inner stay out of an outer stay. In a pinch, like on a road trip and you wreck a stay. But that's a long shot.

As to running rigging, I always keep a selection of line. You never know what you're going to want to do, so some long line in various sizes is always handy.

[Phil M]

Suggestion: You might want to investigate a Johnson quick release lever, especially if you tension the stays with a Loos gauge.

I'm actually very interested in the ability to tune the shrouds. With the factory rigging, I couldn't see using a Loos gauge. I keep it where Supersport Marine set it the initial time we raised the mast. To me, it seems that it should be a bit tighter but I cannot adjust the shrouds to the next hole--way too tight.

Is this the lever to which to refer? https://www.westmarine.com/buy/c-sherma ... oCvK_w_wcB

I just replaced the shrouds last year with a new set from BWY. To install the Johnson lever, do you have to re-work the shroud length? Are special tools required?

Thanks!
Doug

You don't adjust the shrouds while they are under tension. You loosen the shrouds with the Mast raising system (mrs) and then make your adjustments.
That looks exactly like the Johnson lever (sometimes called a hifield or highfield lever) that I purchased several years ago.
I left the shrouds where they were and purchased another mast hound from BWY. I can't remember exactly how many inches above the old one it is installed. I used ordinary rivets as I did not have a stainless steel rivet gun.

[Doug W]

Just a small suggestion that saves a lot of headach with raising/lowering the mainsail: I spray each slug with a small shot of Mclube as they go into the mast track. Makes raising
/lowering the main a breeze.

I use Sailkote spray which I believe has helped with raising the main!

Doug

[Doug W]

Maybe one of each, but I wouldn't keep it all there. I do keep a box of fittings, pins, shackles, etc., along with boxes of nuts/bolts, electrical, and so on. If you have a swage tool and some copper ovals, or just some proper sized clips (what some call 'clamps') you could always make an inner stay out of an outer stay. In a pinch, like on a road trip and you wreck a stay. But that's a long shot.

As to running rigging, I always keep a selection of line. You never know what you're going to want to do, so some long line in various sizes is always handy.

I kept the better of the replaced shrouds to have in case of an emergency. I too, have extra lines stored all over the boat! Glad I did, it helped add a 4th and 5th anchor points during a nasty set of storms last summer!


Doug