CS36T Owner’s Manual
Page 10
4.3.1
Tuning at the Dock or While Moored
All turnbuckles should be equipped with toggles at their base as supplied be CS Yachts to eliminate any
bending load on the swage and turnbuckle threads, including both ends of the forestay.
Start tuning the mast by ensuring that the mast is in the center of the boat, perpendicular to the
transverse waterline. The mast is set in the forward setting at the mast step. At this point the rubber
mast collar should be set into the mast partners between the mast and deck. This is a tight fit and can be
accomplished best by fitting the collar into place as the mast is being lowered onto the mast step. If the
collar just fits into the fiberglass mast partners with the mast heel casting 2"-3" away from the mast
step, the collar will fit perfectly.
Since boats often do not level at dock due to uneven load distribution of the accommodation plan and
internal weights, slacken all shrouds fully by loosening the turnbuckles. Take the main halyard and lead
the shackle end to a point on the starboard toe rail. Adjust the tension on the halyard so that the end of
the shackle just touches the toe rail, then cleat the halyard. Move the shackle to the same location on
the port toe rail; the end of the shackle should just touch the rail. Lightly take up on the turnbuckles on
the upper shrouds until the mast has been centered.
Now, starting at the lower shrouds, tighten their turnbuckles evenly. Repeatedly sight up the mast track
to ensure that you are not deflecting the lower part of the mast in any direction.
Next, tighten the intermediates, again, ensuring that the mast remains straight, then do the same on the
uppers. When you are sure that the mast is straight, start at the lowers and tighten each pair of shrouds
evenly, by counting the number of turns applied to each. Tighten until the turnbuckles become difficult
to turn.
The mast should now be checked for rake. Rake is the angle, either forward or aft, from vertical.
Forward rake is to be avoided.
In calm conditions, if possible, hang a weight on the main halyard shackle and suspend it just above the
deck. The distance from the aft face of the mast to the halyard represents the amount of rake and
should be approximately 8"-10".
Rake is adjusted by moving the masthead in the required direction by use of the turnbuckles on the
backstay and forestay.
If your yacht is fitted with a furling gear on the forestay, it may be necessary to adjust the length of the
forestay by the use of link plates.
Backstay tension should be high, to minimize forestay sag, without imparting too much fore and aft
bend in the mast.