J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment tuning the rig

I have my rig "tuned" but as I look at the tuning guide I downloaded I have a couple of questions.

1. According to the tuning guide I am supposed to max out the turnbuckles on the back stay on each side.

2. While I am tuning the uppers I am supposed to have the back stay "all" the way on. What does that mean? How much is all the way on?

3. The guide said that I may need to shorten the primary back stay a couple of inches, but does not say how long it should be.

I have measured my forstay and it appears to be the right length but it is still very sloppy unless I have the back stay fairly tight. I am hoping to figure this all out soon. Our first race in Velocity Girl is this saturday. Any help would be appreciated. The J 30 is a new boat for me and I am trying to get her as figured out as I can before I go get my butt kicked on the race course. I would rather blame myself and not the boat. HA HA HA!

Thanks
HHSA
Velocity Girl
#278

I never really bother with the backstay while tuning uppers and lowers. The backstay adjuster block/triangular fitting at max ease should have just enough tension to keep the backstay from flopping around. In light air with the mainsheet on it, the backstay should be loose enough sot that it is easy for the main to pass through during tacks and only a quick flick is need during the gybe.

When you tension the backstay adjuster, you should be able to pull it on until blocks reach the pushpit, at which point it should be very tight. If looks to be breezy (15+) tighten the backstay turnbuckles, since the purchase works more efficiently at the top of the split than as it nears the bottom.

You may need to trim a couple inches out of the primary wire if after you trim the backstay adjuster to the pushpit and it is still not tight or if you have to max the turnbuckles to take out the slop.

Sighting up the forestay with the genoa set you will see headstay sag to leeward and aft consistent with the way the sail is cut. If it is too loose don't be afraid to take a few turns at a time until it looks right. Unlike a masthead rig, the backstay on a fractional does more to open up the leach of the main than tighten the headstay. Start pulling on tension only when you need to depower.

Just to make sure:

1. You have the mast wedged to the back of the partners. If not the mast may move forward adding sag.

2. Are your lowers to tight relative to your uppers? This will take pre-bend out of the mast that will add sag.

3. Is your mast butt in the correct place? If it is too far back it will add sag. Sounds counter intuitive, but mast rake will take more sag out of the head stay than a plum mast all the way back in the partners.

Just some things to check and think about.

David
#397

Thanks for all your help guys! I am looking forward to getting this stuff "tuned" up!