Mast Stepper lll - Hobie Getaway

The 2 pole side-to-side bridle lines, that prevent the mast from swinging side-to-side, are too tight.

Possible Issues & Solutions?
1. The Mast Stepper lll came with the length of the "pole side-to-side bridle line loops" at 68" from the eye strap on the top of the gin pole to the knot of the loops on each line.The diagram shows this measurement at 78". Should I adjust both lines to 78"?

2. I ran the pole side-to-side bridle lines in front of the smaller top wing supports & attached them to the tangs installed to the large support arms of each wing. Should I run these lines "behind" the smaller top wing support & attach them to the tangs installed to the large support arms of each wing?

Any other suggestions?

John

Not sure about the length, I'll measure mine and let you know.
I run mine behind the upper wing supports. If you run them in front, when you raise the mast, they get loose (but the shrouds will help stabilize), and when you lower the mast, they will get reaaalllyyy tight.

(edit. Wait. now I'm not sure. Do I run it in front when I'm raising the mast and behind when I'm lowering it? The idea is you don't want it stretched by the wing strut.)

BTW, I removed the shackles and added steel snap links so I don't have to fiddle with the shackles to the side tangs or undo and redo the halyard shackle.

_________________
Yet another Bob!
"Firefly" - 2012 Hobie Getaway with wings and spinnaker
"Sparky" - 1978 Sunfish (OK, it's not a Hobie, but it's a fun little craft)
Too many canoes and kayaks

Thanks for the info.

I attach the bridle wires to the front cross bar with shackles so I don’t have to mess with attaching them to the furler with the tiny clevis pins.

I use a carabiner to attach the mast stepper to the eye strap at the top of the pole.

I also use carabiners to attach the side stay lines of the stepper system to the hardware at the main supports of the wings.