Tension Gauge
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
Do you want the best from your rig? The kind of tension gauge used is key to the welfare of your rigging. Not only in terms of boat speed over a range of conditions, but the amount of money you have to spend in order to maintain the rig.
Are you sick of conversion charts?
Conversion charts can be consigned to history when you buy digital! Would you like tension accuracy within one kilo time after time? Can you imagine changing the rig pressure at sea with a conversion chart flapping in the wind? It's not a good time to be on deck with the wind speed increasing is it? Having a hand held device with an internal pre calibrated system makes the job easier!
It also means you can make adjustments for frequently which means your ability to respond to the conditions, ensures your rig will look after you longer.
Hand held, digital read out and highly accurate - quick too!
Better boat speed: Less Strain
Yes, it's true! After some practice with the hand held digital tension gauge you will improve your speed over the ground. And because of finer adjusts you will spread the strain through the rig to suit the conditions. The only person who doesn't want you to know this is your rigger!
Don't delay! buy today!
So don't delay. Buying today means you will have a gauge to hand before your next trip! Feel safe, buy here from West Marine
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
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Cable Tension Meter
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
CTM
- A cable tension meter is used to measure the strain, which the wires or rigging is under.
In order to maintain the rigging and the overall well being of the boat it's important to monitor this tension. The amount of strain the rig is under dictates the performance of the vessel.
Stress
Too much stress over time will lead to the hull shape changing, which causes a chain of problems. However too little tension results in abrasive problems, as wires rub against each other.
Or worse the mast will fall down!
Well tensioned rigging means it will look after you
Digital
Having the right tool for the job really helps you in the long term. Fortunately, there are now digital cable tension meters that give you an edge.
No More Conversion Charts!
Not only can you be free from conversion charts, but you can get a more accurate measurement from the pre calculated, hand held device.
Scenario
Imagine your at sea it's been a calm day, but the wind is building. You can now adjust your rig easily whilst being on the water!
That's going to help out with your long term rigging bill! By increasing the strain on the rig you are flattening the shape of the sails. Which will help boat speed too.
Of course rig adjustment on the water takes confidence. But sailing is all about confidence anyway - So you already know that.
Choose Yours Here
Select from the range below. West Marine offer a money back guarantee.
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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Spreaders
June 11, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
As part of the rigging, the spreaders help or hinder the balance of tension above the deck.
There aim is to keep the shrouds in place. They are usually made from aluminum or wood.
Here is a quick list of checks:
- Look at the ends to see whether the shrouds are causing stress. They need to be fitted with rubber to stop the abrasive action of the shrouds rubbing
- Are the spreaders bolted to the mast? If they are then this increases stress on the mast. See next point.
- It is better for the strut to be continuous through the mast. Tubing helps by taking some of the abrasive rubbing from the contact made with the mast.
- When you are at the stern looking forward look and see whether they are horizontal. If they are, then your mast is aligned correctly.
Upper and lower
So the spreaders role is important. Your sailboat may have one set or two. If so there are termed lower and upper.
Rigging inspection, including the spreaders
Align the mast!
If your mast is aligned correctly, then your spreaders will be horizontal. If they are not at the horizontal your mast will not be aligned.
Get your rigging equipment and advice here
Helpful rigging equipment supplied by West Marine: Your leading supplier to the boating community
Take advantage! West Marine are offering a 10% discount, when you spend over $100!
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How To Rig Sailboats
June 10, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Sailboat Rigging And Marine Rope
You need to buy a tension gauge in order to be able to correctly measure and change your backstay and shrouds. As conditions change, so the set up on the boat should change accordingly. If the rig is not set up for the conditions it may become fatigued and lead to failure.
Mainsail
Attach the sail to the boom, using the shackle provided on the boom. Put the battens in to the pockets, hopefully they are numbered, so you put the correct ones in. Now put the head of the sail into the track.
Try to ensure the progress of the sail up the mast wont be impeded. Before hoisting attach the sail on to the goose neck. You are now ready to hoist. By pulling the correct halyard you save a lot of nuisance! Once the sail is raised attach the vang.
Jib
Attach bag to cable railing. Fasten the hanks, tie the sheets with a bowline to the stern hank. Attach head shackle to halyard and hoist!
Spinnaker
Attach the spinnaker bag. Attach guys and sheets, having checked they run properly either outside of everything or inside, depending. Guys run outside of everything back through the pulleys aft. Sheets are put through the pulleys mid ship and then run on winches. Raise the pole and hoist when down wind.
Quality products available now - buy today
Getting the best quality products is a great way to increase the efficiency of your sailboat. Quality products last longer and deliver optimum performance throughout their lifetimes. West Marine stock those products.
You don't have to leave this page to take advantage! Just scroll down and order today.
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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