bangled backstay tensioner, could I replace it with a bottle screw?

[causeway]

My backstay tensioner is kaput. The handle which spins it up and down has stripped the bronze(?) Piece below.

A proper replacement tensioner is eyewateringly expensive.

What's the chance of replacing it with a bottle screw? Do they even make them this size? Its about 500mm when tensioned up. The ends have 13mm or very close to it holes for the clevis pin to fit through.

A friend suggested that engineering firm may be able to replace the bronze piece but it seems really mullered and that will probably cost as much as a screw, or will it?

 

[andygc]

Search for "rigging screws" you can certainly get galvanised ones with a closed length of up to 720 mm and a working load of up to 6 tons - http://www.steelwirerope.com/GalvanisedFittings/Rigging Screws/WRW0111-108.html#.U3EoRCjEEv4

 

[merlin3688]

This fitting from Sta Lok may work, its longer then standard, I guess you could then fit a rigging screw? Not sure what size boat you have but the bigger the boat the longer this fitting is.
http://www.stalok.com/p-364-sta-lok-long-stud.aspx

 

[causeway]

The boat is a 35ft Dufour, I never measured the thickness of the rigging, doh.

http://www.steelwirerope.com/StainlessSteelFittings/Turnbuckles/SSTFF0005-20.html#.U3EtgF1wYtA

Does anyone know how to work out the Max length of these screws?

Its a masthead rig and will require plenty of tension to get the jib tight. I'm a bit worried that I'll damage the body trying to tension it?

 

[Javelin]

Masthead rig so you won't need a huge amount of travel, far less than on a fractional rig.
I guess you are using a 7mm 1/19 wire backstay so a decent Sta-lok like the S21-12 would do the trick.

I'd personally be tempted to terminate the wire 5' up and add a high load block and then run a split tail to each quarter with a cascade purchase on one side.

It's worth keeping an eye out on ebay as I bought my Hydraulic adjuster for my 34' 3/4 tonner for £140

 

[causeway]

Wawawa? 300 odd quid? Shirley you can't be serious?

Definitely agree, doesn't need much travel.

I considered the block and tackle thing but seems like too much work and I have enough holes in the boat already! Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[wklein]

sounds like 7mm if it has a 13mm pin perhaps 8mm. Just get a fork fork rigging screw and make a link plate to make up the difference. Similar to this setup (excl hydraulics)

 

[sailorman]

View attachment 42484 View attachment 42485

My backstay tensioner is kaput. The handle which spins it up and down has stripped the bronze(?) Piece below.

A proper replacement tensioner is eyewateringly expensive.

What's the chance of replacing it with a bottle screw? Do they even make them this size? Its about 500mm when tensioned up. The ends have 13mm or very close to it holes for the clevis pin to fit through.

A friend suggested that engineering firm may be able to replace the bronze piece but it seems really mullered and that will probably cost as much as a screw, or will it?

drill & tap (say M5 or 6) the wheel under the spokes in 3 places then nip up the bronze bush with bolts

 

[causeway]

I think that's the easy solution you know. I'm going to take it to this local place and see if they can replace the bronze bit, if not, that's what I'll have them do.

Wklein, if I have to replace the lot I'll use your suggestion as the price of bottlescrews seems to go up expontenially with size!

Thanks everyone.