PVC Rigging Trick

We found it awkward tensioning the jib furler in order to pin the forestay. Initially we were taught to accomplish the task by by placing a knee under the furler and pinning the forestay while holding this position(while balancing on the trailer tongue.) To make it easier I cut a length of 1.5" PVC pipe so that it fits tightly between the bottom of the furler and the forward cross beam. Once inserted it holds the furler in the correct attitude and fully tensions the cables running to the furler, allowing us to focus on tensioning the forestay. After measuring and marking the leangth I cut 1" holes in either side of the pipe, then cut through the center of the holes to make it fit the bottom of the furler a bit better. We also use a quick pin to secure the forestay until we get the pin and ring in.

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Winging It
2007 Getaway

Hey thats a really good idea, especially for single-handed set up. Currently, I have to hold the forestay with one hand, pin the hole with the other hand, and hold the furler up with my foot, as im standing on the forward tramp. So ya, I think next year I'll get some pvc.....

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Sail.fast

470, 08 Getaway

Looks like I approach this from the opposite end.

First I put the side stays on their highest setting. Then the bridle is very easy to attach. I then go back to the side stays and use the halyard to tension the mast while I move the side stays to a lower position. It is fine single handed but easy with someone else pulling on the halyard (usually my 8 yr old daughter does this).

My other trick is how I handle mast raising single handed.
1) Get a stainless steel S (mine is from West Marine)
2) Hook the S onto the eye at the bottom of the jib
3) Pass the jib sheet under the front crossbar and up to the S
4) Raise the mast
5) Tighten up on the jib allowing it to take the load of the forestay
6) Connect the bridle. This is easy because the jib sheet is adding tension to the mast.
7) Tension the side stays if necessary (described above)

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2007 Getaway

After I set the mast up and i want to tension the rig I tie the two ends of the main halyard together to make a loop. then, i sit on the loop next to the side support wires. by sitting or bouncing on the main halyard, i can bend the mast back, and have two free hands to tighten the side stay adjusters.

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Sail.fast

470, 08 Getaway

WOW!! I didn't realize the the rig needed to be that tight.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

supposedly it doesnt have to be, but i hate the pounding it takes when its sloppy. Even if its moderatly tight, it still bangs around in rough chop. maybe keeping it torqued down all the time isn't the best for it but it can't be any worse than letting it pound around.

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Sail.fast

470, 08 Getaway

If you move the side stays down a hole or two, doesn't that rake the mast back? I was under the impression that this will depower the sail, a good idea in high winds, but not so much when its calm.

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Winging It
2007 Getaway

This bring up an interesting question.

Which holes do people use on the fore stay and side stays?

And while we are at it which hole on the main do you tend to use?

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2007 Getaway