New Question 2... How much shroud tension for 26s?

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Chumpy36
First Officer
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Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:54 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Atlanta

New Question 2... How much shroud tension for 26s?

Post by Chumpy36 »

I found the manual to be not very illuminating on the subject. It says "snug". I set mine "snug" which I interpret to mean that there is no slack at rest. Then I measured using the main halyard the distance side to side and I think I'm roughly even. Then I did the same for the lowers. Anything else I should be doing? A friend has a tension gauge if anyone has numbers?

Thanks
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Stickinthemud57
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Re: New Question 2... How much shroud tension for 26s?

Post by Stickinthemud57 »

If you do not have an adjustable backstay, the rule of thumb is snug, but not so snug that the shrouds vibrate like a piano string. The best "tell" is whether the mast stays reasonably straight when running to windward and within a few degrees of perpendicular to the deck. This requires a balanced tensioning of the upper and lower stays. Of course, there will always be some slack in the leeward shrouds when running to windward.

If you have an adjustable backstay, you should put a good deal of tension on the backstay before adjusting the shrouds.
The key to inner peace is to admit you have a problem and leave it at that.
Chumpy36
First Officer
Posts: 245
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2022 7:54 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26S
Location: Atlanta

Re: New Question 2... How much shroud tension for 26s?

Post by Chumpy36 »

Thanks. I do have an adjustable backstay. Right now the uppers and lowers are tightish but you can't play music on them

I guess sailing will be the test of it?
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