intrepid 9M - Tuning

season, you should completely disassemble and inspect all turnbuckles. Do not
attempt to do this when sea or wind conditions are placing strain on the mast.
The shroud turnbuckles (upper and lower sidestays) may be disconnected and
inspected one at a time. The remaining shrouds will provide adequate mast
support.
The Intrepid 35 is equipped with open body integral turnbuckles. The two cotter
pins should be inserted and spread open. The threaded sections above and below
the barrels as well as the cotter pins should be taped once the final adjustments
have been made.
Prior to disconnecting headstay and backstay turnbuckles for inspection, special
measures to support the mast are necessary. This can be accomplished by using
the halyards as temporary stays. Attach the jib halyard to the jib tack shackle;
haul it in tight, cleat it. This will temporarily replace the headstay, so that you
may disassemble the turnbuckles for inspection. Lead the main halyard aft to a
stern cleat and follow the above procedure to check the backstay turnbuckle.
The pipe or barrel section of the turnbuckle should be backed off entirely from the
top and bottom sections. All threads should be carefully inspected both for
broken or worn threads as well as rust, corrosion or breakdown of the metal itself.
The threads in the “pipe” should be inspected as well as those on the long,
threaded ends. The locking nut should also rotate freely. Prior to assembly,
lightly lubricate the ends, barrel and locking nuts with waterproof grease.
The enclosed insert from Spartan Marine Products, Inc. indicates the maximum
distance turnbuckles should be opened. The “Y” dimensions listed apply only to
turnbuckles with properly centered barrels. Turnbuckle barrels can be centered
by measuring the threads exposed above and below the barrel and adjusting
accordingly prior to securing the turnbuckle to the chainplate.
2.2-4 Tuning
The purpose of tuning the rig is to adjust the center of effort of the sail plan fore
or aft to obtain a slight weather helm in moderate winds, and to keep it straight
without “hooks” to port, starboard, fore or aft. Properly trimming the rig is an
important process which should be attempted only by qualified personnel; consult
your Intrepid dealer.
The fore and aft alignment of your mast can be checked by comparing it to a
vertical structure such as a radio tower, chimney, etc. Before checking the mast
alignment in this manner, be certain that the boat is resting on her design water
line. If the mast is leaning for or aft, ease the turnbuckle toward which the mast is
leaning and take up a corresponding number of turns on the opposite turnbuckle.
(Note: When adjusting turnbuckles, never use excessive force or the turnbuckle
may be contorted.) Always prevent the upper threaded turnbuckle stud from
turning. Headstays and backstays should never be taken up so tightly that they
will not “give” an inch or so if you pull on them with moderate force.
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