[Rhodes22-list] tuning mast

[Michael Meltzer]

Rodger  has the long version, most like he will repost it, my simplified goes like this:

1)the forestay is the forestay, sometimes it needs a little lengthen or shorting but that is most a helm balance issue, for now go
with what you have.
2)most Rhodes have a backstay adjusters by the rear chain plates, remember these for the next step.
3)tighten the backstay adjuster line, use only one hand(or have your wife do it), with a half wrap around the cleat, if the "V" is
coming in to much(about half way or more) the short the adjuster from step 2 and try again. the backstay should be tight like a
"bass string" not so tight like a "C" string.
4)adjust the side stays at the dock, get the stick straight, the stays should be stiff and even but not so tight that you can play
music.
5)go sailing, go to windward(10-15 knots is best for this), tighten the windward side so they are loose but not floppy, tack and do
the same thing again, a few rounds, the wire will stretch over the next few week so keep an eye out while tacking, loose but not
floppy, if it a very high wind day a little looser.
6)check the backstay also after the wire wakes up from the winter nap.
7)Now some issues, their are 9 stay on the boat, they are strong than the fiberglass, over do the tension is not good, you can drive
that mast right thought the cabin top, when you are tighten the turn tumbles never use a tool to do it(but do always hold the wire
with one), one hand strength(and your wife hand at that).
8)Allot of new owners miss this one, never ever transfer twice to the wire!!! like turning the turnbuckle with the wire turning. It
does not take much for the wire to quickly fatigue and break. If you are luckly it will only unscreew.
9)loosing a stay is not a big deal on the boat, you can loose one with out danger of a mast drop(but do get pressure off that sails)
and in most cases two.
10)replace the ring pins yearly, they are cheap and do not take well to comeing on and off with tools, they get streached out with
fast.
11)keep a set of pins and rings(remember the forstay is a funny one) where you can get to them fast, I used a screew top baby drink
cup on the shelf above the sink.

MJM



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "keith burkhardt" <mkburk at adelphia.net>
To: <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 10:13 PM
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] tuning mast


Just wanted to inquire about what is proper tension on stays and instructions on properly tightening turnbuckles any  suggestions
would be great ... keith
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