Headstay length

[TSweather]

Can anyone confirm that the headstay length listed in the manuals section of this site is actually the pin to pin length or is it measured differently? Just want to be sure before I place an order. I clipped the chart below from this site.



Thanks, Todd

[Vento Solare]

Todd - yes that is pin to pin.
Editing this to add....
Make sure you set the mast base position correctly. The headstay length, mast base position and backstay work as a system. When I first got Vento Solare the mast was too far aft resulting in too much headstay sag. The previous owner had a longer backstay to compensate. It was funky to get a good tune. Once I corrected the mast base (it was too far aft) the head stay tightened and the backstay was shortened so it could be properly adjusted.

[TSweather]

Thanks Bill. Just wanted to check as the upgrade from the MK III to MK IV Harken Furler is what has confused the issue. The MK III used a stud that is then connected to the fitting while the MK IV uses a different fitting so that you can swap in a new furler without re-swaging the headstay fitting.

Also, I appreciate the comments on the mast base. In this case we will be swapping the headstay with the rig still up, so that dimension will not be changing.

[Vento Solare]

Todd you are correct about the stud on the MkIII versus a regular turnbuckle on the MkIV. This however does not change the overall length from pin to pin. Vento Solare had the MkIV installed three years ago and the riggers matched the pin to pin dimensions.

You may want to check the mast base position anyway before you have the headstay made. See this link I posted on Tips & Tuning in 2015.