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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 250 Specific Forum
 Loos Tension Numbers		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Steve Raffel
Captain

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262 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/17/2013 :  10:42:26  Show Profile
I use 31 for my uppers and 29 for my lowers. That works fairly well. What would be a good range of numbers for the backstay. I have been using 32 which seems OK but I have no way of knowing.

Thanks.
Steve Raffel
C 250 WK #408
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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts
Response Posted - 05/17/2013 :  15:15:35  Show Profile
Do you have a split backstay or single? It sounds like single you have single, but that concerns me because if it's a single offset backstay, then your tensions on port and starboard should not be equal.

I have split backstays, but the connection point is not perfectly centered, and even with that slight offset, it makes a measurable difference in the tension of the port vs. starboard uppers and lowers.

FWIW, your lower tension sounds a bit high. You are probably losing any pre-bend that your uppers have created.

FYI, I record tensions, but I do it by eye and feel. Tension the uppers enough to create 1" prebend and equalize them with a halyard to make sure the mast is vertical, tension the lowers so that they are ever so slightly loose on the leeward side when close-hauled (takes a few sails to get them right), set the forestay for 4" mast rake, tension the backstay enough to make sure I don't have any pumping of the forestay. Then I go back and re-adjust the uppers and lowers, since they're affected by the other adjustments.

When it's all done I check tension to make sure I'm never more than ~15% of maximum working load while at rest. What really counts is that you never exceed 100% when the boat is sailing in a heavy blow.
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Steve Raffel
Captain

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262 Posts
Response Posted - 05/20/2013 :  13:20:30  Show Profile
Rick,
Thanks for your helpful reply. My boat has a split backstay.
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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.