Shroud tension

[geoffr]

Hi again:

Here is yet another question for those who might know: how do you set the correct tension for your shrouds?

Is it a case of trial and error, and hoping that the mast is at the right angle (just slightly aback of vertical) or is there some other black art involved here?

Any suggestions appreciated, as I think my shrouds are way too tight with the mast raised.

Cheers,

[Yara50]

This is a complex question, as it involves deflection of the cabin top and the shroud mounting lifting the deck.
1. Make sure you have some solid, but tapered blocks under the shroud mounting U bolt nuts. Spread the load across the underside of the deck, and make the blocks taper in thickness so as not to produce a stress concentration. Check those U bolts for corrosion as they pass through the deck.http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... ?f=4&t=121
2. A number of owners have added further support under the mast step, in order to minimise deflection of the cabin top. http://www.investigator563.com/forum/vi ... +bolt#p838
3. The tension is going to be derived from the flexing of the hull, and very little from stretching the wires.
4. There needs to be some tension in the shrouds (side stays) even with no tension in the forestay.
5. Check the tension of the leeward shroud when heeling nearly to the gunwhales in a breeze. If it is just starting to slacken', then you have it probably right.

All said, every boat is going to be a bit different, and we dont want to rip the deck apart, or crush the cabin top.