J/24 Tuning Tips

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HOW TO GET THE MAST AND THE KEEL IN LINE
by Tim Healy

I think it is important to get the mast and the keel on the same vertical plane. This is fairly easy to do. All you need is a step ladder and a piece of string.

First drive you boat to a flat part of the parking lot (the boat does not have to perfectly level). The ladder should be placed approx. 100 feet behind the boat and it must be placed directly behind the boat (as close to the extenuation of centerline of the boat as possible).

Next tie a string from the top rung of the ladder to a low rung. Align the string with the trailing edge of the keel then sight up the string to the top of the mast (adjust the string horizontally on the latter rungs).

Ultimately the top of the mast and the sail grove should be in line with the trailing edge of the keel. This should all be done with no blocks in at the partners. To get a proper sight put one knee down and try and stabilize your body as much as possible than just use one eye to glance up to the top of the mast and back down to the keel. Having a friend with you to confirm what you are seeing is not a bad idea.

When you are confident that the mast and the trailing edge of the keel are on the same vertical plane then check to make sure that you are at the max J dimension. Now you are ready to put the mast partner blocks in. I would recommend spartite.

For tuning help, contact the North J/24 experts.