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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Capri 25 Specific Forum

Mast prebend

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leebitts
Navigator

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USA
122 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/06/2010 : 20:40:23

Tuning the rigging is new to me. This past weekend, I did my best at tuning. From what I've been able to read it was pretty much a mess before. After doing some tuning and tightening things up I noticed tonight that the boat sailed much better, pointing as well as the J22 in our fleet. I noticed as well that by doing some pre-bend of the mast by tightening the forward lower shrouds that the main sail shape was really nice. Is there a guide as to how much bend there should be, my main is an Eliot Peterson -- hmmm should I ask them?

Thanks -- love this boat

LeeBitts
1981 Capri 25 Hull # 142
Sailing in NH and Maine

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joearcht
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USA
241 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2010 : 05:55:16

Read the Elliot/Patterson tuning guide (www.epsails.com/tuning_guide.htm). Your pre-bend seems opposite of mine.
I tightened the aft lowers instead of the forward. I may be confused, but I'd sure like to get it straight exactly what pre-bend is and how it is suppose to work.

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leebitts
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USA
122 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2010 : 07:24:10

Hi Joe,

I'm certain that I am using the correct shrouds for prebend, as using the forward lower will pull the middle of the mast forward, thus flattening the sail. I'm going to call Eliot Peterson directly and see what insight they can provide.

Thanks

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SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2010 : 07:49:39

I think Joe's link might be old, try this one:
http://www.epsails.com/Capri25-tune.htm

Here's another version, with some minor differences and some additional info:
http://www.wyc.org/SailingTips/ElliottPattisonTuningGuide/tabid/627/Default.aspx

I've never quite agreed with the wording in the EP guides, I think it's somewhat confusing. You're not really SETTING the pre-bend with the aft lowers, you're LIMITING the amount of bend available. The PRE-bend (what's inherent in the mast setup at rest, no backstay) is really set with the fwd lowers (you want to pre-bend the mast FOREWARD, not aft, right?).

The EP mains are pretty flat/fast out of the box, so I usually set the fwd lowers for 1/2 to 3/4" on sails in good conditions. Really just enough to encourage the mast to bend forward in the mid-section and make sure it wont invert.

I set the aft lowers with the backstay full on, and look for about 4" of mast bend and in column.

Jim

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leebitts
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USA
122 Posts

Response Posted - 07/07/2010 : 15:15:31

Hi Jim

so measuring the 1/2 to 3/4 of prebend would be distance from mast at spreaders to a halyard dropped vertically? It is not clear what you mean by "I set the aft lowers with the backstay full on, and look for about 4" of mast bend and in column".

thanks

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.