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Author
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Topic: Back Stay Configuration
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NickMuir
Member
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posted
14 May 2000 11:47 AM
Further to Steve Goacher's interview regarding 'Heavy Weather Sailing' I
am interested to hear from anyone who has implemented a practical system
to adjust the back stay from both sides of the cockpit. |
Jack Hardie
Administrator
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posted
18 May 2000 10:09 PM
The following setup is simpler than it sounds...
Fit a triple ball bearing block on the end of the wire strop that adjusts
the backstay. A spectra line goes over the middle block of the triple. It
can be quite a thin line since it has a big mechanical advantage and this
means you can use smaller, cheaper blocks. The two falls of this line go
down to a double block shackled to the plate on the transom. We'll follow
just one side from this point - they are both the same. From the double
block back up to the triple then down again to a single block shackled to
one side of the double on the transom so the block can 'float' to the angle
it wants to take up. From this single block along the top of the transom
to another single in the corner of the cockpit to turn the line forrards
and downwards through a right angle. These blocks (one each side) on our
boat were simply attached to the pushpit with a short strop of spectra line.
This has the advantage that you can adjust the length of the strop to get
everything lined-up nicely. From this block to a cheek block on the vertical
side of the cockpit seat near the cockpit sole. From here up to a cleat
near the helm's hand. Only the last two fittings require any drilling and
screwing so it's simpler than it sounds and it works fine. I'd recommend
the extra expense of ball bearing blocks all round. Whatever you do, you'll
be glad you made the effort when you can easily and rapidly adjust the shape
of the main on a windy day. |
NickMuir
Member
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posted
15 June 2000 08:23 PM
Jack,
Thanks for your advice. With regard to the blocks would you recommend the fixed or the swivel type?Nick
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Jack Hardie
Administrator
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posted
24 June 2000 11:26 AM
I'd use the non-swivel type, especially for the multiple blocks, because in my experience they tend to swivel when you don't want them to and twist up the lines. However, you'll have to think through the way you attach the blocks. Some blocks have an attachment in line with the sheave and some are at right angle to it so you need to think if you need an extra shackle or a twisted shackle to get everything to line-up.Jack
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Jonathan Abbott
Member
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posted
15 August 2000 11:29 AM
Is this system in class?
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Jack Hardie
Administrator
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posted
19 August 2000 10:43 PM
JonathanWhy not? I don't claim to be an expert on the rules but I think the relevant rule is: 5.2.5 The backstay adjuster shall be of stainless or galvanised steel multistrand wire, diameter not less than 3mm, rope and fittings. Subject to Rule 7.3 the backstay adjuster shall be attached to the backstay adjuster attachment fittings as detailed in Rule 2.4.1.1. Rule 2.4.1.1 is about fixing the backstay adjuster to the transom and rule 7.3 prohibits hydraulics. Seems ok to me. Jack
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