My Ballenger mast came with upper and lower attachment slots set up for T-
ball fittings. These were obviously provided for running backs. However,
the boat was set up with wire checkstays that attach to the lower set only
and run to the cabin top where they attach to Harken cars running on track.
As you pull the car back (4:1 purchase) on the track the check stay engages.
The lines are lead to Harken cam cleats. Management of the checkstays is
handled by whoever is closest on the rail during tacks. This arrangement
keeps the checkstays pulling on the mast closest to the appropriate angle
(centerline), but the short run of track means the angle of declination of
the stay isn't ideal - it pulls down as much as it pulls back - but it seems
to do the trick. It brings the lower portion of the mast back into column in
response to backstay pressure and it substantially reduces mast pumping in a
steep chop.
I talked with my sailmaker (North) about whether to consider changing to running backs to improve the angle of attack and mast control when I get a new mainsail, but he wasn't enthusiastic. Basically, he said he could cut the main to respond to either method and any difference in performance would be negligible and not worth the bother and expense.
I'm interested in feedback from anyone who has switched over.
Derek Reijnen
The Reijnen Company
phone: 206-842-4409
email: derek@reijnenco.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Kolar [mailto:jkolar@speakeasy.net]
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 12:51 PM
To: olson911@sailpix.com
Subject: attaching running backstays or checkstays to the mast- need
opinions
Of folks who have added in running backstays or checkstays to the mastwhat are the methods people have found worked well?
Have you done it yourself or had a yard do it?
Did you put any kind of reinforcement inside of the mast?
Here are a couple of ways I have heard of so far:
thanks for any ideas!
Jennifer Received on Tue Jul 13 17:24:42 2004