RE: attaching running backstays or checkstays to the mast- need o pinions

I should add that one additional advantage of my current set up is that I can calibrate checkstay and backstay settings. I'm just now calibrating track settings so the correct amount of check stay required for each increment of backstay can be applied without looking up the mast. I'm doing this by marking the track with numbers that correspond to numbers attached to a piece of sail batten that is strapped to the hydraulic backstay cylinder. As I induce backstay tension, the cylinder shaft travels along the numbers giving me an easy visual reference point, which I can then yell forward to whomever is handling the checkstays and they can simply pull the car back (using the 4:1 purchase) until it's at the correct corresponding number. The ratio of checkstay to backstay doesn't vary by windspeed (based on my own observations and those of my sailmaker), so this should work.

Any comments from other owners?

Derek Reijnen
The Reijnen Company
phone: 206-842-4409
email: derek@reijnenco.com

-----Original Message-----

From: Derek Reijnen [mailto:derekr@reijnenco.com] Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 5:10 PM
To: 'Jennifer Kolar'; olson911@sailpix.com Subject: RE: attaching running backstays or checkstays to the mast- need o pinions

My Ballenger mast came with upper and lower attachment slots set up for Tball  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:

1. drill a hole through the mast and put a rod through it that is just barely wider than the mast w/ a hole on each side. Attach a carabeaner in each hole and attach the spectra to that.
2. cut a slit in the mast and slide a Tbolt in and attach the spectra to the bolt somehow at the end
3. have a metal ball that the backstay line is spiced into.. have a curved plate that the ball rotates in like a socket joint

thanks for any ideas!

Jennifer Received on Wed Jul 14 10:40:58 2004