Apples and apples
Hi there,
It is true that aluminum has a much higher coefficient of expansion, but that assumes analogous structure, and that ain't the case here. The mast is a column, the wire is a series of spiralling cylinders, and all bets are off. Rigs get tighter in the winter, and this can be easily tested, of course, with tension gauges in various temperatures.
That's just one variable; haul the boat, and now the hull shape will change as well. Best to document that separately.
Finally, in general, rig tune does nothing to cause or prevent hogging; that's a matter of relative lack of buoyancy at the ends. One proof of this, of course, is that power boats hog.
In sum, a little simple measuring will tell you how much, if any, to loosen or tighten the rig relative to temperature or hauling. Around here (Puget Sound), tuning for light-air summer sailing can often automatically adjust, in Winter, for heavier airs.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
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