Let's see if I can explain this correctly.
I just reassembled my boat after some major hull work(H18 1986). The dolphin striker that I used for this boat was excessively loose and so I am attempting on adjusting it correctly.
This is how it went.
After initially adjusting while the mast was not on the boat, I got all the measurements to measure 80 5/8ths. This was with the mast off,
This measurement was taken in three locations.
1) Right under the plugs, center line to center line
2) Right under the bow lips, center line to center line,
3) Bottom of the hulls 20" below the bow lip.
I put the mast up and all my measurements were still the same.
Then......I tentioned everything my rig as I normally would and raised the sails. At this point the front measurements decreased by 5/8ths and now measured only 80" at the bow while the back of the boat was still 80 5/8ths.
What am I missing here?
Obviously as soon as I tightened the rig up the bows pulled together through the bridle wires. Is this acceptable? It doesn't seem right that bows and sterns are off 5/8 when we try to manage the rudders to 1/8 toe in.
Where do I go from here? I can't make sense of tightening or loosening the the striker at this point. I don't think my rig is to tight but....????
If I was just sailing for fun this year I would just leave it but I am planning on racing this boat this year.
Thanks for your thoughts guys.