Forestay tension for wood mast

[allene]

Yes, the L-36 has 13 inch spacing on the floors so a 6 pack can fit, at least that is the legend.

I see I should have expended some in my post. I would like to put 1400 to 2000 pounds on the forestay but am afraid. The hull is rock solid after the 5 new very much larger floors, new mast step, and new keel bolts. All I am worried about it the rig. I do relax the tension at the slip, btw.

I like the idea of testing the tension under sail and inching up. My shipright said to tighten it and look to see if the mast goes at all out of column when the boat hits a wave.

Another person said to tighten it until the mast breaks then back off a little. I am looking for better advice than that although I am told that is how the big boys do it.

Allen