Adjustable Backstays

[exfinnsailor]

The Sail Maker has suggested we fit An Adjustable Backstay .. We have fixed Backstays at the moment , one to each side . Is it possible to have both adjustable or is it going to have to be a redesign .. .. or do we just leave it alone .. We do not do any racing ..

 

[30boat]

All you need with your set up is a 4:1 tackle between the backstays.When pulled it'll tighten the stays.

 

[smth448]

You could rig up single backstay to a bridle between the two points on each quarter and provide the adjustment by having a tackle pulling the bridle together, making the backstay shorter. Maybe that would work by pulling your existing backstays together but they may not be long enough.
Sorry if I haven't described it very well but its fairly common way to adjust a backstay, have a wander round a marina and find a few ideas.
My guess is you need to think about how much you want to pander yto your sailmaker. I guess he wants you to be able to tighten the backstay to bend the mast and flatten the main. This will mean you can keep full sail up a bit longer and point higher at the same time.

 

[DJE]

The Sail Maker has suggested we fit An Adjustable Backstay .. We have fixed Backstays at the moment , one to each side . Is it possible to have both adjustable or is it going to have to be a redesign .. .. or do we just leave it alone .. We do not do any racing ..

Like this:

Or this:

 

[Ludd]

The Sail Maker has suggested we fit An Adjustable Backstay .. We have fixed Backstays at the moment , one to each side . Is it possible to have both adjustable or is it going to have to be a redesign .. .. or do we just leave it alone .. We do not do any racing ..

I have seen the setup suggested by 30boat on Beneteau rigs ,cheap and cheerful and does the job.

However ,if the designer didn't think it necessary, why should your rigger know better?

 

[Allan]

I have a single backstay with a wheel to adjust the tension. I find it usefull for when the wind increases a little. I also feel that, when tight on the wind, using it to tighten the forestay gives me a few degrees better pointing. The boat next to me on the pontoon has twin backstays with small pullies clamped to each. When I first saw it I though it was a simple way to get some adjustment. If I have a chance over the weekend (and remember!) I will try to get some pictures, if you wish?
Allan

 

[flaming]

I have seen the setup suggested by 30boat on Beneteau rigs ,cheap and cheerful and does the job.

However ,if the designer didn't think it necessary, why should your rigger know better?

Was probably an optional extra originally.

There is absolutely no doubt that being able to adjust the backstay will improve the performance of the boat across a wide wind range.

 

[sailorman]

The Sail Maker has suggested we fit An Adjustable Backstay .. We have fixed Backstays at the moment , one to each side . Is it possible to have both adjustable or is it going to have to be a redesign .. .. or do we just leave it alone .. We do not do any racing ..

arrange a set of blocks & pull them together horizontally

 

[photodog]

Is the 323 a fractional or Masthead rig?

I thought that with a masthead you didnt have a adjustable backstay... Can someone more knowledgable coment?

 

[sailorman]

Is the 323 a fractional or Masthead rig?

I thought that with a masthead you didnt have a adjustable backstay... Can someone more knowledgable coment?

i have mast hd + a large navtec hydraulic thingie on the back stay

 

[Nico]

If you have a masthead rig then tightening the backstay will tighten the forestay so you'll point higher, or to compensate for forestay sag with increasing wind strength.

If you have a fractional rig then you can use the adjustable backstay to bend the mast and hence flatten the main. It will also tighten the forestay to a lesser extent.

 

[johnalison]

Even when cruising it can make life more comfortable. On my previous boats which were mast head, I found that easing off the backstay a bit when running, especially with spinnaker, would make helming easier. It's also nice to know that you're leaving the hull with less stress in between sailing.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Thanks Everone

Thanks everyone .. A few good ideas .. Certainly something to think about .. Will have a look tommorrow .. Thanks for the offer of pics Allen .. PM Sent

 

[dunedin]

IMHO, for cruising
- 3/4 rig or similar - adjustable backstay very useful (near essential)
- masthead rig - very marginal, not worth the hassle
I have masthead and a fancy backstay adjuster. Fiddled with it in season 1 and left fixed since then, with no noticable impact - and we do sail for performance.
On the other hand we do adjust the mainsail luff tension, kicker and genny cars regularly when sailing, which makes a huge difference
Depends on the boat though