ENTERPRISE TUNING GUIDE
The Enterprise is a relatively simple boat and most boats in the fleet have very similar boat speed.
Consequently any little edge in speed requires quite a lot of attention to small details. The aim of this
guide is to enable you to set your boat up very close to the ideal settings so that you can be
immediately ‘on the pace’.
Spreader Settings
There are two measurements for spreaders: Spreader Length and Spreader Deflection. Spreader Length
affects the sideways stiffness of the mast and is taken by measuring the side wall of the mast to the
shroud (A). Spreader Deflection controls the pre-bend in the mast and is measured by putting a straight
edge from shroud to shroud and then measure to the mast from this edge (B).
Superspar
Proctor
Spreader Length
410
420
Spreader Deflection
171
171
Rig Tension
Rig tension is measured on the shroud. Try to use the same tension gauge each time and measure at the
same height e.g. eye level. We sail with
400lbs
in all conditions. Minor adjustments to the tension can
be made by using a small chain plate on the end of the jib halyard instead of a shackle. Moving the pin
up (decreasing the halyard length) will then increase the tension slightly.
Mast Rake
Mast rake is measured from the top of the mast to the top of the transom. It will vary slightly between
boats but we sail with a rake in the range of
21’1
1
/
2
–
21’2
.To do this hoist the jib with
400lbs
tension
and then shackle a long measuring tape to main halyard. Measure
18’ 6
to the top of the black band at
the gooseneck. Cleat the main halyard and measure to the transom. This is the mast rake. The half hole
adjustments on the shroud chain plates change the mast rake by approximately ½ inch.
