Shrouds

[Dave Whyman]

The builder sent me new shrouds last year along with my new mast.  They send 5/32" inner and 3/16" outers.  Did the rules change or did they send the wrong stuff?  Did anyone else get supplied with 3/16" last year?

[Bob Wiltrout]

Hull # 222 built in April 2008 came with 3/16" upper shrouds and 5/32" lowers. I had to buy 2 sizes of Loos Guages.

Bob Wiltrout
#222 Gracie Mae

[Dave Whyman]

I think my mast came from the same build as yours, I received it in April.  I've got the two gauges as well.  I'm having to double check my tables now for setting the tension.  Yesterday I went out in about 15kts and almost inverted the mast.  Looks like the uppers were only on at about 350 lbs, lowers just over 200.

[Clifford Begnaud]

Is Buzz not offering 4 mm Dyform upper shrouds? He provided them with my mast the year before last, for an upcharge of course. I like the low stretch and don't have to use two Loos gauges.
Cliff
Underdog #126

[Bob Wiltrout]

The setup guide recommends 300-470 on the uppers and 1/2 that for the lowers as a starting point. I wonder if that is still valid. I would think a heavier shroud would stretch less, maybe needing less tension. As a new sailor I don't have a clue. but I need to find out as I plan to launch within a few days. Anybody have a suggestion?

Bob Wiltrout
#222 Gracie Mae

[Gregg Henning]

I run mine at 350 for the uppers and 250 for the lowers as a starting point.

[Van Sheppard]

Dave,

The class rules have changed to allow 3/16" shrouds, so you are still class legal, no worries there. 

One bonus of the 3/16" wire is that there is a handle kit from Ronstan that fits right over the turnbuckle and allows you to adjust your shrouds without tools.  Unfortunately, the handle kits don't fit the 5/32" shrouds, so adjusting the inners will still be a pain.

The increased diameter of the upper shrouds means that they will stretch less when loaded up.  The theory, according to some, is that this will prevent the mast from inverting and failing.  Some others, me amongst them, don't agree with this theory, but being able to use the handles on the larger turnbuckles is definitely an advantage.

Why anyone would go with different size wire on the inners is beyond me.  Even if you forgo the handles and use tools to adjust your shrouds, you will still need different size wrenches for the different shrouds.  If I were getting a new mast, I would ensure that the builder supplied it with the same size wire for all the standing rigging.  We are not a set and forget type of boat.  I adjust my rig if the wind speed changes by 2-3 knots.  I've been in several regattas where I adjusted the rig tension between each race...

[Tom Stout]

Check out
http://www.ronstan.com/marine/product.asp?ProdNo=RF1575M0405

This is the next size up turnbuckle that accepts the handles and 5/32 wire.

Tom
Forty Two (U20#142)

[Drew Harper]

Is Buzz not offering 4 mm Dyform upper shrouds? He provided them with my mast the year before last, for an upcharge of course. I like the low stretch and don't have to use two Loos gauges.
Cliff
Underdog #126

4mm Dyform is very difficult to get now and the prices are rapidly climbing.

[John Scharer]

Hi,

I have an older mast #61 with 5/32 inch upper and lower shrouds.  Can I get the same shroud diameters for it from Buzz or would you suggest I move to 3/16 inch uppers with 5/32 inch lowers- I need to replace them.  Can you buy them with adjust handles?  Is there another good supplier?

Thanks,

John Scharer
#61

[Mark Allen]

Couple of options for you. Can you contact a local rigger That you could show what you have and what you want and will make them up for you. Along the same lines you can contact Annapolis Performance sailing of Mauri Pro Sailing and I am sure they could make whatever you need but you woudl have to supply the correct dimensions. They both sell the handle kits as well.

I have had no issues with the 5/32 wire, I guess it also depends how you use the boat. Do you sail in high winds on most days or only once in a while. If I sailed in San Fran I would seriously think about putting 3/16th or dyform on my boat.