Association Forum - Tuning a Bergstrom & Ridder rig

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Tuning a Bergstrom & Ridder rig

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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/31/2011 : 12:43:10

The Catalina 250 has basically a tripod rig, or "B&R" rig named for Bergstrom & Ridder who originated it. The backstay apparently was added to the Cat 250 to provide some extra security. In the course of looking for more information on how to adjust the rigging I found this website.
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=87

The leading paragraphs brought the design concept into focus for me.

Any comments ?

Jim Butler

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2011 : 13:19:29

Only that the C-250 rig is not really a B&R, so I wouldn't follow B&R (or Hunter) instructions to tune it. The B&R rig is first and foremost designed to eliminate the backstay, and secondly to use a lighter mast. (I've referred to the H-240 mast as a Coors can...) The spreaders are longer and swept by a greater angle for obvious reasons, and reverse diagonals (running down from the spreaders to the mast) are added to stiffen the mast.

The C-250 is a conventional rig with shorter, somewhat less-swept spreaders and a backstay--common on many other boats. In the 250's case, I suspect (but don't know) that Catalina swept the spreaders to facilitate some mast bending without having forward lower shrouds (where the forward lowers can help bend the mast on a C-25, for example.)

The conventional rig with shorter spreaders carrying inboard shrouds allow for closer sheeting of larger, overlapping headsails, which Hunters do not use.

I would stick to C-250 tuning procedures--the Hunter rig is a whole different animal.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/31/2011 13:30:32

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2011 : 13:29:55

I agree with Dave. Your basic assumption is flawed IMHO. The Hunter B&R eliminates the need for the backstay. I'd bet the ranch the C250 needs a backstay to stay upright under load.

Here's the cross bracing Dave referred to. It's not there on the 250. The image on the right is a bird's eye view showing the angle of the shrouds compared to the forestay. They are much further aft relative to the mast than on the C250.

So, in short, you can't take the backstay off.

Edited by - John Russell on 10/31/2011 13:37:58

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2011 : 07:40:01

I think Dave has it right... the 250 is closer to a conventional rig than a B&R rig so it would more reasonably be called a hybrid between the two. As to tuning, The B&R rig tuning might offer some points but not be fully applicable.

The big issue is that a B&R rig employs a fractional forestay rather than masthead.

The great shortcoming of the 250 rig in a nutshell is the inability to tune it on the fly. It like catamarans and many day sailors must be tuned for conditions prior to heading out. On heavy air days, the rig tightened to reduce power and on light air days, loosened to gain power.

Of course, that would be done by the racer, whereas the day sailor or cruiser will likely tune it firm for heavy air and leave it there...compromising light air performance a little. And... given that the 250 goes pretty good in light air, its not that much compromise.