Inner forestay- how far below masthead w/o runners?

Kelpie

Kelpie

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 May 2005
Messages
7,766
Location
Afloat
Visit site
I'm contemplating adding a removable inner forestay (Solent stay?). To be used for a smaller working jib and storm jib, both would be hank-on.
I had a similar arrangement on my last boat and really liked the flexibility. It also gave me peace of mind knowing the mast was better supported when going to windward in heavier weather.

I don't really want the hassle of runners, so I know that I need to install somewhere near the masthead. Is there a method of calculating how close this needs to be?
 
I contacted sparsmaker Seldén when I did this modification some years ago and their rule of thumb-advice was that the anchoring point for the inner stay should be placed somewhere between 3 and 6 percent of the fore triangle height, measured from the fore stay's anchoring point on the mast (fore triangle height= from forestay on mast to deck/coach roof level). This in order to avoid the need for running back stays.
 
Kelpie said:
I'm contemplating adding a removable inner forestay (Solent stay?). To be used for a smaller working jib and storm jib, both would be hank-on.
I had a similar arrangement on my last boat and really liked the flexibility. It also gave me peace of mind knowing the mast was better supported when going to windward in heavier weather.

I don't really want the hassle of runners, so I know that I need to install somewhere near the masthead. Is there a method of calculating how close this needs to be?
Click to expand...
If you don't want runners then fit the new mast attachment as close to the top of the mast as you can.
We went the other route and fitted it 2 metres lower. We added dyneema runners that go to the very substantial cleats on the aft deck. We also fitted a furler so our blade jib is also avaliable without going on the foredeck when it's rough. The runners can both be left on when we have the second reef in the main since the mainsail passes beneath the runners. It's then no hassle. The added benefit for us is that when crashing to windward, tensioning the runners reduces mast pumping significantly. If your babystay has a habit of going slack when you hit big seas then the runners will be worth fitting. Constant slackening of the babystay will lead to eventual failure.
 
I added a Solent Stay 2 seasons ago. Selden recommend a distance no greater than 30 cms lower than the backstay attachment point if you want to avoid further support. Don't forget to add a new halyard exiting below the inner forestay attachment point. I thought I could use the spinnaker halyard but of course on one tack it would chafe. By the time I realised this the mast was back up requiring some entertaining work at height with drill, grinder and slitting disc.
 
Last edited:
Poey50 said:
I added a Solent Stay 2 seasons ago. Selden recommend a distance no greater than 30 cms lower than the backstay attachment point if you want to avoid further support. Don't forget to add a new halyard exiting below the inner forestay attachment point. I thought I could use the spinnaker halyard but of course on one tack it would chafe. By the time I realised this the mast was back up requiring some entertaining work at height with drill, grinder and slitting disc.
Click to expand...
I'm thinking of using the Wichard fitting, which has two eyes- I presume one for the stay and the other for the halyard.
 
I fitted mine about 1 metre down from the forestay fitting on a 28 foot boat. This works out at about 10% in Baba Yaga's Selden info, #2 above. The mast does bend a bit when you set the inner jib.
 
Kelpie said:
I'm thinking of using the Wichard fitting, which has two eyes- I presume one for the stay and the other for the halyard.
Click to expand...

I used the Selden O fitting - easier to fit than the Wichard - and hung a high tension block about 12 cms below with a soft shackle. The halyard goes up inside the mast and exits through a new slot. Selden gives guidance on slot positioning too.
 
Kelpie said:
I'm thinking of using the Wichard fitting, which has two eyes- I presume one for the stay and the other for the halyard.
Click to expand...
Yes, one hole for the stay and the other for a block for an external halyard.
The Wichard fitting is 3mm stainless and rated for up to a 10mm stay. That was a bit much for my 26' boat with a 5mm stay, so I made one up in 2mm stainless. It just requires a small slot in the mast and is very secure as the rivets don't take any load.
I put mine about 1ft down from the masthead but I have a solid masthead rig that doesn't bend much. I don't leave it up as it is only 1ft behind the forestay and would make tacking the genoa difficult.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top