Hunter 50CC, Operation Manual

Page: 180 / 200

Hunter 50
CC
• Getting Underway
13.6
does not shack easily. Never use anything more than a
pair of wrenches to tighten your rigging. If you use an
extended piece of pipe on the handle of a wrench, you
can over-tighten the rigging and do damage to the mast
or rigging.
6. On the Hunter 50cc, it is necessary to go up the mast in
a Bosun’s Chair to tighten the number 2 diagonal shroud
(D2 or intermediate shroud). Always use caution when
“going aloft”. You should always use a mountain climbing
harness or Bosun’s Chair intended for this use. Always
tie into the harness with the halyard using a bowline
and then secure the shackle as a back up as the knot
is more reliable than a mechanical fastner. The person
hoisting you aloft should keep the halyard stopper closed
to prevent falls. Good communication between the two
of you is also important. Tighten the D2 until it has just
become tight ened then add two complete turns. While
at the first spreader, look up the back of the mast to see
if it is straight (rather than bent from side to side). If it is
not straight then adjust the appropriate D2 and or RD2 to
straighten it.
7. Have the person on deck carefully lower you. They
should keep the halyard wrapped at least twice around
the winch and should always have one hand able to stop
the halyard from running free. Once on deck, look up
the back of the mast and see if it is straight (rather than
bent from side to side). If not, then adjust the lowers (D1)
until it is.
The final test is to go sailing in 10-15 knots of wind.
If, when sailing upwind, the shrouds on the leeward
side are slack then tighten them to remove about half
the slack keeping note of the number of turns. Then
tack and do the same to the other side. Do this until
you are happy with the tension and the leeward side
does not get loose when the boat is heeled. Now, sight
up the mast to be sure it is still relatively straight from
side to side. If it is not then adjust to appropriate rig-
ging to correct it. For example: If the mast is straight
until the upper spreader and then hooks to the windward
side, then you will have to revisit steps 6 and 7 above.
Remember to always tighten the new leeward shroud,
tack and tighten the new leeward shroud the same
amount. This prevents damage to the turnbuckles and is
also much easier to do. Keep in mind it is also possible
to have something too tight such as a diagonal shroud.
At this point, you should have adequate headstay ten-
sion. The sails are built for an average of 14” (350mm)
of headstay sag, possibly more or less, depending
upon light or heavy air. The bend in the standard mast
8.
9.
should be about 1% (maximum) of “P” and 2” (50mm)
(maximum) in the furling mast and it should be nearly
straight from side to side when sailing upwind. If any
of these are not true, then revisit the appropriate step
above to correct it. If the sag in the headstay is too
much then adding tension to the verticals will fix it.
10. Once the rig is tuned, you should make sure to add
the cotter pins to all the rigging, bending back the ends
and taping them to prevent snagged lines, sails, and
fingers.
Remember that rigging, like everything else, can age. As
it gets older, it may need to be replaced. The frequency
for which this becomes necessary depends on the climate
and conditions in which the boat is sailed. For example:
If you sail in the Caribbean, it should be replaced every 2-
3 years compared to every 10 years for the Great Lakes.
You should consult a professional rigger for advice.
13.4 Returning to Port
After completing the day’s cruise and mooring your boat,
shut down the engine.
* Reduce engine speed to idle. Place transmission con-
trol in neutral. Allow engine to idle for a few minutes.
* Move switch to OFF to shut down the engine.
Before going ashore, check the following items:
Shore power on and plugged in
Battery charger operating
Shaft and rudder log for leaks
A thorough washdown of your hull, decks, and rigging
with soap and fresh water will help keep your boat looking
like new for years.
Note: See the AC Electric section in this manual for information
on connecting the shore power, and the Water Systems chapter
for information on connecting the dockside water supply.
13.5 Emergency Operations
You should always understand and be prepared to
engage in Emergency Operations aboard your boat. The
sea is unforgiving in this area, and you can find yourself
in very bad trouble in a very short time, even if you are
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