Hi All,
I'm thinking I need to re-tension my rigging (haven't done it before, but it's not rocket science is it?) and figure to do it properly should use a tension gauge.

So looking at the prices of Loos gauges (there maybe better ones available) and considering how often I would need to use it, I'm thinking maybe there are others out there who would be interested in jointly owning the appropriate gauge(s).

I reckon there are enough regular posters who might be interested that we all could have access to good quality tension gauges for a very modest outlay.

So....thoughts?

regards,
Allan

As I found when I was going to purchase one for my rig you need the right size and not sure what your boat is but it was going to be bloody expensive.
I got some advice and after straightening the mast I have tightened it to take the slack out of the leward stays on a work .

Can't remember exact size but I spoke to Tony Dillion he was the last to do any work to it so he knew the size told me loos don't do one to fit I need the hydraulic type and they were around the $1000 mark he advised me on how to get the tension.
The other local rigger was to busy (with a rude response ) to look at it. I was going to take it up the harbour to get done but had an old friend help and very happy with the result.
Previously I was pointing at 36deg on port tack and 30 deg on starboard
Now 30 on both.

Good thought
would be interested in sharing if suitable gauge and cost within reason(wits that?)
i have tensioned my rig with the 2 metre rule /Selken method
works ok
i hope
cheers
david

Hi all,
I realise I should have been more specific as to the size(s) of the tools.
I'll do a bit of research & get back to you.
regards,
allan

rumblefish said..

Sectorsteve said..
i borrowed the loos gauge for my boat with 6.5mm stays. really great piece of gear. the thing i think you need to consider(from my experience with an older boat) is that even though i tensioned my stays to between 11-13% of their breaking strain, it was too much for my boat and i had a considerable bend in the top. I kinda need the advice from someone who knows alot regarding how much is too much. I have a double spreader rig with larger stays so therefore id think that 11-13 % may be more tension than required or that the boat was structurally designed to have. Just some things to consider when tensioning those stays!
Tight and even is good i think . Im going to do some tuning today if i can get the gauge again as i loosened them off recently to get less bend.

If you have 'bend in the top' then you probably have too much tension in the side stays and no enough in the forestay? That sais a standard double spreader frac rig should have about half to one mast depth of pre-bend before you even put a sail up

what i hear from tophat owners is no bend required, just a small amount of rake.

Just got a price on the bigger Spinlock unit, already have the smaller unit
See them here
www.spinlock.co.uk/en/categories/sense/product_groups/rig-sense

Not cheap but if people are willing to pay shipping and a small fee I could buy one through work and rent out?

Something like $15 each way for freight (I put and extra express post bag in) and $30 for rent?
I would take a c/card number, charge out rent fee before it leaves (to make sure c/card is legit) and charge out full RRP of $550 if I don't see it back within a couple of weeks?

$65 for the use of a $550 tension gauge for a few days sounds ok?

yeah heaps.....

- gives you a reading in kg, not some made up number
- doesn't suffer from spring fade over time, first one Spinlock made is calibrated every week for the past 5 years and still reads the same
- is soooo much better made than the loos, doesn't feel like a bit of ally plate with bits whacked on it!
- and not that this matters to everyone, has an app where you can record settings for different wind strengths and for a heap of different boats. Even if you aren't racing it helps to remember what settings you did have last time

That price was the RRP on the big one, I sell the small one for $250 and the big one for $450

Hi There: I do have set for 7, 8, 9mm wire, it is for sale because it does nothing more than tells the diference in tension betwen wires of same #OD. Yes, I was told my boat will sail faster. Actualy there was no diference if this gadget was on board or at home. Will post in AU. It sounds like sale add, but it is not. Be honest, all of you, how many peety, small $, or wonder investments you made in order to travel (faster from A to B) faster than (...........) "him in other boat". Not ready yet but I will list printable pics (as good as ajustments) for you to print and keep it under deck or next to your "comand" position, ha ha.
If you decide to make me an offer on this item, please include some $ extra for my faded dreams,
When you buy: you will get what you paid for, and of course my sympaty and best wishes for prosperity in the new year and the others caming after.