What's a check stay ?

[Boo2]

Sorry for the very obvious question but I've come across a boat advert which mentions "check stays" and google didn't seem to help much. Are they like running backstays, or like baby forestays, or what ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[pvb]

See this old thread.

 

[Boo2]

See this old thread.

Yes, I already saw that, but what are they ? Are they baby stays (in front of the mast) or runners (behind the mast) ? Or what ?

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[JomsViking]

They're running backstays

Don't know why they're also called check stays, except that the can be used to "check" mast bend, outside of stopping the mast from pumping..

 

[bbg]

Yes, I already saw that, but what are they ? Are they baby stays (in front of the mast) or runners (behind the mast) ? Or what ?

Thanks,

Boo2

They are behind the mast, like backstays. Typically only on a fractional rig.

They can have two purposes.

In light air, ease the backstay a bit (lets top of mast forward) and pull on a bit of checkstay (pulls center of mast aft) to straighten the mast (not invert it, just get it more nearly straight and take out some of the bend). This makes the main fuller and more powerful.

In heavy air and waves, with the backstay cranked fully on (to flatten / depower the main), the middle part of the mast might pump forward and back. If so, a little bit of checkstay tension (not enough to straighten the mast) can stabilise it and stop it pumping.

Not very common these days, AFAIK. Typically only necessary or useful on a very bendy mast.

 

[pvb]

 

[30boat]

There's something wrong with that picture.The running backstay should go to the forestay attachment point so in this case it's only a second checkstay.That forestay should be fractional and be supported by the running backstay.

 

[pvb]

There's something wrong with that picture.

The picture is the one that's missing from the old thread I linked to earlier.