B43 rig tuning

[sam]

I have difficulty keeping the rig tuned on my 43 (in mast roller furling). In winds above 15 knots the leeward shrouds go abnormally slack. I have used two reputable riggers to tune, but the rig seems to need tuning too frequently.

The looseness is pronounced, not just the normally expected leeward unload expected,

Appreciate any observations / experiences from others.

Thanks

Sam

LONGHAWK, hull #9

[Mike Brown]

Sam, fortunately I don't have the issue and I've checked numerous times since our last boat a B361 had a near identical  problem. The leewards shrouds would go seriously slack in anything in the mid teens. I accepted that early on some of it was due to the newness to the shrouds. After tightening them up a couple of times it improved but still remained too loose for my taste. In the end I just dealt with it and hoped that it didn't come back to bite me. Something I don't think I would want to do on our 43 as there's a big difference in the sail plan. The 43 is a different beast with a ton of sail area and I often feel it's on the max edge of what she should carry. Not having a sturdy rig would concern me. I'd hate to think you need to replace them already but it does seem strange that they wont stay in tune and not sure what else you have as an option.

Mike

[Gavin White]

Hi Sam

I had a rigger look over my rig at the end of last season (year 3) and one thing he picked up was that, in his opinion the spreaders weren't sufficiently prevented from moving up and down as rig tension changed.  He also wasn't happy with the fitting on the forestay at the masthead.  I can't quite recall but I think the latter was something to do with the way the fitting leaves the mast and the tension, movement and wear in that area could force the clevis pin out or lead to failure.  We played around for an hour or so loosened everything off, replaced the mast head fitting adjusted and clamped the spreaders and retentioned everything.

The spreader movement might be something to look at for your problem and I would recommend everyone have a look at the forestay fitting at the mast head for signs of wear.

 

Cheers

 

Gavin