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INSTRUCTIONS

How Selden runs a heeling test at the jetty to measure a yacht's righting moment: the halyard / "heeling wire" method for boats up to about 10 tons, and the main boom method for heavier yachts.

DocumentSelden Heeling Test Instructions
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LanguageEnglish
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InstructionsPDF · 2 p.Heeling test using the main boomPDF · 1 p.
Choosing the MethodHalyard MethodMain Boom MethodEquipmentProducts
Selden Heeling Test — Instructions

Which Heeling Device

Carry out the test on a fairly calm day at a jetty with a strong point of attachment for the heeling wire.

Boat displacement Heeling device
< 2 ton Ordinary 4:1 purchase rope tackle
< approx. 4 ton 4:1 tackle tensioning one end of a 2:1 tackle (8:1 purchase)
< approx. 10 tons Wire tensioned by a mechanical device
Above 10 tons Main boom method (595-577B-E, second download)

Heeling wire tension is approximately displacement divided by fore-triangle height (Newton, meter). Allow an extra 20%, as the initial tension is greater than the tension at 30 degrees of heel. When reading the balance, relieve the rope tail to get a correct value of the force P.

Setting Up

  1. Close all outlet valves and secure loose items. Check that the mast is properly tuned.
  2. Fit a large bow shackle around the forestay (tape it if the stay has a head foil). On masthead rigs the backstay is an alternative.
  3. Genoa (main) halyard to the top of the shackle, heeling wire and a measuring tape (no shorter than the mast) to the bottom. If in doubt about the halyard snap shackle, connect with a bar shackle.
  4. Attach a second "deck measuring tape" where the mast meets the deck.
  5. Hoist until the shackle is approximately 10 cm below the wire terminal. The shackle must not rest on the foil during the test.
  6. Measure from the top of the heeling wire to the deck tape attachment (Hm). Fit the spring balance between heeling wire and jetty.

Heeling & Recording

  1. Heel the boat by tensioning the heeling wire. Pushing the boat away from the jetty reduces the initial tension. People operating the tensioning device wear hard hats.
  2. For each reading: heeling wire vertical, boat floating freely; record horizontal distance mast – heeling wire (Mbm) and wire tension (P).
  3. Heel to both starboard and port. 30 degrees of heel corresponds to Mbm = 0.5 × Hm (sine 30° = 0.5).
  4. Measure the vertical distance from the deck tape attachment to the water level (h2).
  5. Let the boat return slowly; release the heeling wire quickly when nearly upright.
  6. Estimate fuel, water and equipment on board, measure the chainplate locations and complete the righting-moment calculation in the report.

Heeling Test Using the Main Boom

  • Max. heeling angle will be 10°: secure loose items, check the mast is properly tuned.
  • Swing the boom out in running position, secured by mainsheet and a preventer to the stemhead; protect it from the lateral rigging.
  • Heeling device (tackle or mechanical) at the boom end. A heeling force of 2-3% of the yacht's displacement is required.
  • Suspend the boom end 1.5-2m above level with main halyard and/or topping lift (spinnaker halyard for extra stiffness).
  • The spring balance must be the only connection between device and jetty. Measure the horizontal distance from the yacht's centreline to the heeling device.
  • Heeling angle: two bars of 700-1000mm, the lower one fixed across the deck near the mast, the upper one held level with a spirit level; measure distance H (vernier callipers recommended).
  • Initial heel at 50kgs (100 lbs) on the balance, then 100, 200, 300kgs etc. Minimum heeling must be 5°, corresponding to an H-measurement of 9% of bar length "b".
  • Heel to both starboard and port, enter all values, estimate tankage and equipment, enter chainplate locations.

Halyard Method

  • Heeling wire, tackles or wire + tensioning device
  • Spring balance
  • Shackles
  • Some pieces of strong rope
  • Two measuring tapes (20m)
  • Adjustable spanners, pair of pliers
  • Hard hats
  • Bosun's chair
  • Adhesive tape
  • Form and pencil

Main Boom Method

  • Heeling device (tackle or mechanical device)
  • Spring balance
  • Spirit level
  • Measuring tape
  • Measuring scale or vernier callipers
  • Two bars, length 700-1000mm (wood, aluminium etc.)

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