Running Back Stays (again)

[Shiver Metimbers]

Further to my previous post I have had two professional riggers looking at my Running Back Stays to see if they can be modified so the boom clears them when it swings? The conclusion from both is no, however one says that the last 9 inches of the boom is not used as the outhaul does not pull the sail that far, therefore I could cut 5 inches from the end of the boom which would give enough clearance to clear the stays. This would save loosening the leeward stay off when tacking, which quickly becomes the windward stay and has to be tightened again. Has anyone got any top tips on cutting a boom? I intend to do it situ with a hacksaw after drilling out the rivets and removing the end block? Thanks in advance.

 

[savageseadog]

I've done exactly that job. I used an Eclipse multi purpose saw rather than a hacksaw one like this
It has better directional stability and cuts aluminum well.

Use a sheet of paper wrapped round the boom as a guide for a straight cut.

Best of luck.

 

[ebbtide]

Re: Running Back Stays

Surely the point of runners is that they strengthen the rig inside boom length and consequently have to be set up on each tack?
That's why we had Highfield levers and, later, tackles leading to designated winches.
IMHO if you can clear the boom inside runners they could be made permanent! Or have |I missed summat?
Am agog for your explanation . . .

 

[Shiver Metimbers]

Re: Running Back Stays

The runners cannot be made permenant as they will still foul the sail and topping lift when on a broad reach or running down wind, so the leeward stay will still have to be lazy, unless the sail is reefed. Working the running back stays when reaching etc is slower and easier to manage. Where the boom clearance comes into it own is tacking when close hauled, no stays to consider until after the tack and then just a quick tweek on each one. It's a race winner!

 

[William_H]

Re: Running Back Stays

Yes there is something wrong with your post. Running backstay systems usually attach to the mast at the top of the fractional forestay and often also attach at points further down the mast to provide backward pull at he forestay attach point and other points further down.
In any running backstay system I have seen there is no way shortening the boom could help or enable the running backstay to become permanent.

The roach of the mainsail will often foul even the permanent backstay so will certainly foul a running backstay.

Have you got the terminology for the backstays confused. In a runnibng backstay system there is usually a permanent backstay and 2 running backstays.

Yes the boom can be easily shortened although bare in mind it can be shortened from the front or back. Possibly easier at the front. It depends on what pulley blocks are mounted in the boom.
Make sure you will never want to fit a bigger mainsail in the future.

More explanation please olewill

 

[ebbtide]

Re: Running Back Stays

Thanks William - I am familiar with runnners and checkstays, but still confused: how does the topping lift get in the way? The solution to that is simple; scrap it and fit a gas strut kicker.

 

[Shiver Metimbers]

Re: Running Back Stays

There is nothing wrong with my post. I don't want to make the running back stays permanent. All I want to do is stop the end of the boom from catching these stays when it swings by shortening the boom by 5 inches. My original post asks for top tips on cutting the boom, thanks savageseadog for doing just that, a good top tip which I will use. Thanks to you all for replying.

 

[30boat]

Re: Running Back Stays

I have fitted runners and checkstays to my Fulmar and they do foul the boom.Since I won't shorten the boom(mainly because of the mainsheet arrangement) I let go of the unrequired runner when I tack.If I'm short tacking I don't use them at all.Lengths of shock cord can be tied to the runners to keep them out of the way when not in use.IMHO it is a bit radical to cut the boom shorter.

 

[William_H]

Re: Running Back Stays

Hi tony sorry to offend (if I did) what I was trying to say is that communication between what you have and want and my understanding does not add up.
I still can't see how shortening the boom can help to stop the runners catching on the boom. If by catching here we mean hitting the runners if they are tight. Or something hooking onto the runners even when loose. (remove or modify "something")
if it is the former and you can stop the runners hitting the boom when tight by shortening the boom (I very much doubt) then the runners can be made permanent fixed.
or should I have just let this go as i don't understand? olewill