Tartan 4000, Owner'S Manual, Page: 34 / 80

T4000 OM
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 4000 spar is
designed to carry up to (approx.)
15 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.