How to Rig an Olson 25

As is the case with most smaller sailboats, rigging an Olson 25 is mostly a matter of trial and error. Once you have enough practice doing it you will gain a feel for how much to tighten each shroud so that you do not have to keep on going back and forth to compensate for having them too tight or too loose. If you are rigging your Olson 25 for the first time, follow this process to ensure that your rig it correctly.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Step the mast. This is sailing lingo for raising the mast -- though stepping the mast can also refer to lowering the mast.

    • 2

      Take out the slack in the upper shrouds on both the port and starboard sides to strengthen the mast and keep it from swaying in the wind. Tighten the upper shrouds on each side of the boat as evenly as possible or you will not sail in a straight line. Do not worry if they are not completely even yet, as you will measure and adjust any differences next.

    • 3

      Measure the distance from the halyard to the edge of the deck on the port and starboard sides. Use the base of the chainplate below the halyard as your starting point for both measurements. Whichever side is greater will tell you that you need to tighten the upper shrouds on that side. Do so to bring the difference between the lengths to no more than 1/4 inch.

    • 4

      Tighten the lower shrouds. The mast probably won't look straight before you do this, but afterward it should begin to look much straighter.

    • 5

      Tighten the intermediate shrouds. Tightening the intermediate shrouds will bring the upper and lower shrouds in line to stiffen the mast and sail, adding the finishing touches to your rigging.

    • 6

      Stand directly below the mast and sight up the mast to ensure that it is straight. If one area of the mast isn't straight, simply tighten the shroud that will affect that area of the mast.