Connecting a block to backstay standing rigging

[wvansl]

Hi,
I would like to be able to connect a block or a D ring to my backstay at about a height of 3m to connect something (light). Does anybody know if there is something I could easily use to "snap on" the standing rigging cable?
So a sort of clamp with a ring I connect something at?
I don't seem to find something like this and I don't know a good name or description for it either...

 

[Minerva]

We've got a block attached to our backstay via a prussik loop? Would that work for you?

 

[fredrussell]

What about one of those fender clips, designed to attach to guard wires?

 

[chris-s]

I’ve been looking to do the same thing. Whilst there are various clamps and the like, it seems they may deform the wire and/or cause corrosion. A piece of line attached using a prusik knot might be a better idea.

 

[wvansl]

Prusik knot might work, thanks for the idea!

 

[Poignard]

My backstay tensioner consists of a tackle that draws the twin backstays towards each other.

I used s/s bulldog clips to seize s/s rings to the backstays.

The blocks of the tackle are attached to the rings.

 

[Buck Turgidson]

lightweight? Just tie it with a rolling hitch or pursik. My ensign has been attached thusly for years.

 

[Refueler]

Prusik .. ? OK ...

But I would prefer the Seamans Rolling hitch ... not only does it lock one way - but can be slid other way to a better position if needed.

There are 'clamp devices' to install flag halyards etc to stays ... that would do the job ...

One example :

VICTORY #HM009812, STAY MOUNT FLAG CLAMP. The Chandlery

 

[Buck Turgidson]

a prusik is effectively back to back rolling hitches.

 

[Refueler]

a prusik is effectively back to back rolling hitches.

Yes - I know what it is - but still prefer the basic Rolling Hitch ....

 

[B27]

I wrapped some self-amalgamating tape around the stay and whipped a stainless ring to it with some polyester thread.
Cable ties would have been quicker if they 'fell to hand'.

 

[LittleSister]

My backstay tensioner consists of a tackle that draws the twin backstays towards each other.

I used s/s bulldog clips to seize s/s rings to the backstays.

The blocks of the tackle are attached to the rings.

View attachment 170537

Looking at your photo, Poignard, i have to wonder whether you have shares in a cordage manufacturer.

 

[BabaYaga]

I have one of these for hoisting the flag along the back stay. Works well:
Shroud Fittings for Installing Radar Reflectors & Flags only 18,95 € | SVB
This is also avalable:
Mounting Plate only 7,95 € buy now | SVB

 

[srm]

A tight lashing using nylon fishing net twine, so each turn can be stretched tight as it is put on. Has worked well in a lot of different applications on my boats. The black tarred twine lasted for years, far longer than cable ties.

 

[dunedin]

My backstay tensioner consists of a tackle that draws the twin backstays towards each other.

I used s/s bulldog clips to seize s/s rings to the backstays.

The blocks of the tackle are attached to the rings.

View attachment 170537

The way this is normally done for twin backstay tensioner is two pulleys running on the backstays joined together - and then pulled downwards to tension them - or a more expensive type like this Barton Wire Rope Backstay Tensioner Block 50mm 91040

Avoids the need to attach blocks to a fixed point in the stay and therefore stronger / less damaging.

 

[Poignard]

The way this is normally done for twin backstay tensioner is two pulleys running on the backstays joined together - and then pulled downwards to tension them - or a more expensive type like this Barton Wire Rope Backstay Tensioner Block 50mm 91040

Avoids the need to attach blocks to a fixed point in the stay and therefore stronger / less damaging.

Well, all I know is that it's lasted 26 years without damaging anything.

Oh, and it works.

 

[Neeves]

Depends on what level of robustness you need.

Take a simple swage fitting slice it down its length, open to fit over back stay and then crimp it onto the wire. As the swage might be quite large in diameter you can simultaneously swage a fitting to the back stay.

In terms of actually fitting the swage, use main halyard or topping lift to replace backstay. Use spinnaker or Genoa halyard or topping lift to ascend mast, remove backstay and work on the backstay at deck level, much easier to make a decent job.

Jonathan

 

[Stemar]

A line tied by your preferred knot will work if the light doesn't need to be in a fixed position. If it does - eg a nav light, a clamp like The ones Poignard uses, or something like this

would be better. I used one for my ensign block for years.

 

[Refueler]

A line tied by your preferred knot will work if the light doesn't need to be in a fixed position. If it does - eg a nav light, a clamp like The ones Poignard uses, or something like this

would be better. I used one for my ensign block for years.

That the item I linked to in post #8 ....