Tartan 3500 Owner’s Manual
T3500OM
17
turn one side, then one full turn on the other. Repeat until the turnbuckles
become difficult to turn. Pin the turnbuckles.
Tighten the lower shroud turnbuckles so that almost all of the slack is removed;
the center point of each lower shroud should have about 1 inch of play in either
direction. Sight up the aft side of the mast to make sure that it is straight. The
lower shrouds may require adjustment to straighten the mast.
Now check the rake. Rake is the fore and aft angle of the spar. The Tartan 3500
spar is designed to carry up to (approx.)
9
inches of rake. Rake effects the
position of the center of effort of your sail plan and, consequently, the balance of
the helm. The effects are more pronounced in heavier winds. The extent of rake
on our boat should be determined by your particular sailing characteristics, the
typical local wind conditions and your sailmaker's suggestions.
Forward rake should be avoided. The main halyard may be used to measure
rake. In calm wind and sea, with the boat floating level on her lines, hang a
plumb weight or equivalent, such as a hammer or wrench, from the main halyard.
Adjust the halyard so that the weight is suspended just above the gooseneck.
The fore and aft distance between the mast and the halyard at the gooseneck
level is the amount of rake. Ease off the forestay turnbuckles and tighten the
backstay turnbuckle (or vice versa) until the desired rake is achieved. Pin both
fore and backstay turnbuckles.
Unless the rake has to be re-adjusted in the future to correct helm balance, these
turnbuckles will need no more adjusting. Additional tension may be applied by
the backstay adjuster.
Check that the outboard ends of the spreaders are padded and taped to avoid
chafing the genoa.
Ensure that all turnbuckles are pinned. The mast should be fixed at the step to
prevent fore and aft movement and to hold the mast in the step.
You are now ready to complete the tuning procedure while sailing.
4.4
Tuning While Sailing
Select a day with a steady 8 to 12 knot breeze and reasonably flat sea. Put the
boat on starboard tack, close hauled. Sight up the luff groove of the mast. If the
mast seems to fall off to leeward at the spreaders, luff up slightly and tighten the
starboard lower shroud as necessary. Put the boat back on the wind and check
the spar again, adjusting as necessary. When the mast appears straight, bring
the boat about and do the same on the port side.
