Thanks, Rich. I think I have my gauge sitting around someplace, and I will check it out. Tom Jenkins M17 #626 Scintilla On Mar 1, 2013, at 9:59 AM, Rich Makela wrote:
Tom,
I follow the recommendations in a video produced by Brian Toss of Port Townsend. His numbers are consistent with those that appear on the Loos web site. I use a Loos gauge to measure the tension. I've been using the following numbers for several years with good results.
Lower Shroud 10% of breaking strength (210 lbs) 25 on Loos gauge Upper Shroud 15% of breaking strength ( 315 lbs) 32 on Loos gauge Forestay 12% of breaking strength ( 396 lbs) 41 on Loos gauge Backstay 15% of breaking strength ( 315 lbs) 32 on Loos gauge
This assumes that the forestay is 5/32 and all the rest are 1/8
Rich Makela M-17 #233 - Harmony
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Tom Jenkins Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 5:27 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: Shroud tension
Hi gang, I am usually too busy under such conditions, but I noticed that the lower lee shrouds on my M17 show a little slack when I beat to weather at wind speeds over 25 knots. I am reluctant to start a tightening regime because the shrouds are just loose enough for me to raise and lower the mast without loosening and tightening the turnbuckles each cycle. Should I be concerned with the situation? Can one expect some permanent stretching of the shrouds with use? Will the presumed slight bowing of the mast to leeward be a problem?
Thanks in advance for your comments.
Tom Jenkins M17 Scintilla