Jib stay tension setup

[MARKDONOVAN]

Ive recently noticed that I seem to have an unusual jib luff tensioner setup compared to others I’ve seen. Should I keep it or not as i need to replace the adjustment as it is greyed. If anyone can tell me any Advantages of this setup would be great. I was thinking it would keep the top of mast straighter

[Bruce Andersen]

I use 0.15 wire from the top down to about 10 cm above the boom, then use string & a bowsie for adjustment. It minimized weight & windage aloft but more importantly, helps to keep the jib topping lift from hooking on the spreaders when slopping about because the wire is stiffer than string and tends to stay straight rather than looping around the spreader ends.

If you have an old beat up jib lying around, scavenge the luff wire out of it for the job.

[MARKDONOVAN]

So is there any need for it? It goes to tip of mast. While I don’t have a spare jib my recent performance tells me I may need a new one anyway

[Bruce Andersen]

terminate the wire on the hook that attaches the jib to the mast

taking it to the mast head gives no advantage and plenty of disadvantages

[MARKDONOVAN]

Thanks. Thought it might keep mast too straight or something

[Bruce Andersen]

there was a time when it was common for the shrouds to enter the mast and terminate (internally) on the part of the backstay fitting that pokes down into the masthead, with the idea that it might stiffen the mast above the hounds, but it doesn't really work so most have abandoned the practice.