I have an NSM 2 3278 which has a hog stepped mast with adjustable shrouds by means of rope purchases.The problem i have is that the windward shroud tensions up the leeward one pulling the mast over to leeward, does any one have a picture or drawing of a suitable system that works, as i sail on a lake i am tempted to fix the shroud length if i caant sort out a sytem that works. Any help on this much appreciated.

When I get round to sorting the fittings out on 3386, I am going to fix the shrouds & lowers and just have a purchase on the jib halyard as I am sure that getting the helm & crew working together is going to get a better return on investment than splashing out on a complicated block set-up. One strings are all very well, but if you miss a shift or sail the wrong course or pull the mast into the wrong position, you still end up last. Far better to concentrate on the basics then once you are confident of boat handling, etc. then play with the string. Remember too that all that string is added weight ......

Andy

If you have fixed shrouds especially with a hog stepped mast, it's worth looking at modern Larks for ideas as they have jib halyard adjustable via muscle blocks.
My halyard runs out the mast, turns at the foot and runs along the centreboard case to a muscle bock (basically a pair of blocks with rearmost one fixed) and then back to helm. Rig can then be adjusted whilst sailing.

Fixed shrouds and an adjustable jib halyard are not a good idea. When the wind increses you want more rig tension and more mast bend. If you tighten the jib halyard you pull the mast forwards, against the spreaders and actually straighten it out when that is what you least want.

You'b be better with a hookrack/highfield for the jib and adjustable shrouds.

It depends what you are intending to do with it! We used a "boat breaker" on our B14 to increase the rig tension - like the jib halyard - and then locks everything off and concentrated on just sailing. That's the approach I wanted to adopt with the MR. Something like the KISS principle with one eye on interest rates .......

Since we're talking hog stepped, I forgot to mention some control at deck level to push mast forward - a simple rope loop works or the Lark favourite "Socks for chocks" when the gate has a rigid rear.

Er.....you wanted to keep it simple....on a Merlin?!  ;o)

There's always a first time .........