Rigging tension ???

[Bawgy]

I am attempting to tune my rigging and would like to know a good starting point on how tight the shrouds should be I will have acces to a loos gauge so if you have a number for me I would appreciatte it

[Moe]

I don't know what model you have, if it's fractional or masthead rig, or what the cable sizes are. No matter the model, don't assume the shroud lengths are the same on both sides of the boat.

What's important is that you get the mast rake angle, relative to the water surface, correct using the forestay adjustment, and on a fractional rig, the upper shroud tension sufficient to induce the specified curve into the mast. The shroud adjustment also effects the side to side location of the mast, so make sure to adjust both sides to keep it vertical. Once you have these adjustments done, snug up the lower shrouds to keep the mast from pumping (but not enough to induce an S bend in the mast), and tighten the backstay just enough not to induce more bend in the mast. What's also important is how well the boat sails, and that in a good 15 knot wind, the leeward shrouds are noticably less tensioned, but not slack or floppy. If the boat has weather helm decrease the mast rake and if it has lee helm increase the mast rake (adjusting the shrouds to compensate). Finally, you don't want the rigging so tight it begins deforming the hull around the chain plates or that you can't pin the forestay.

You probably need Loos 91-Model A for cable sizes: 3/32", 1/8", and 5/32". The shrouds on a 26X and 26M are 5/32". Don't know about earlier boats. Owners who've swapped and compared Loos gauges have found differences, so I don't know that they're all that accurate absolutely, but are certainly good for giving relative readings.

Size - Breaking Strength
3/32" - 1,200 pounds, 5% = 60 pounds, 8% = 96 pounds
1/8" - 2,100 pounds, 5% = 105 pounds, 8% = 168 pounds
5/32" - 3,300 pounds, 5% = 165 pounds, 8% = 264 pounds

Minimum tension to remove cable stretch is 5% of breaking strength and you will probably wind up with around or just above 8% on the upper shrouds if the rigging is tight enough. The numbers I see for most Mac powersailors on this forum put the lower shrouds at about 80-85% of the upper's tension. Probably the maximum tension for a MacGregor 26X's 5/32" shrounds = 330 pounds or 10% before the hull starts to flatten around the chainplates, according to Don T. That's where I had mine. Don't know about other models.

[Bawgy]

Sorry about that guys , I was doing three things at once when typing this am . I have a 1971 Venture 24 It has a fractional rig And I believe 1/8 shrouds. forestay upper and lower shrouds and a back stay that has no adjustment capability

[Bawgy]

Thank You Moe . My boat is an older V-24 1971 It has 1/8 shrouds and sailing this weekend in 12 knots My shrouds on the leeward sode wee definately too loose . They were circling around in a 3-5 inch circle. I will have to put a block under my mast to raise it an inch or so cause I am out of adjustment on my turnbuckle . Thanks again

[DLT]

How much are new cables?

If they've stretched that much, they might need to be replaced anyway...

I don't think cables are too steep...

[Bawgy]

I don't think they stretched that much . I believe when I rebuilt the floor I built it about a inch lower . I need to put a riser under the mast anyway to miss all the attachment bolts for the lines to cockpit hardware anyway .