Backstay on 1985 Catalina 22

[GeeDee]

Does anyone have a similar backstay configuration on their C22 as the photos?
I have to believe something is missing..... Either that or the forestay is WAY loose from what it should be.
I have the triangle brought down to both sides of the transom with a through bolt on the starboard and strap down the back of the transom on the port.
Am I missing something that would have allowed downward pull at the ring and blocks in the middle of the triangle?
If someone has photos of a similar setup and you can share it would be greatly appreciated.
Greg

 

[dlochner]

There should be a block and tackle arrangement between the ring on the backstay and a strong point on the transom. When the tackle is tightened it pulls the 2 blocks down the spit wire effectively making the backstay shorter and increasing tension.

 

[GeeDee]

There should be a block and tackle arrangement between the ring on the backstay and a strong point on the transom. When the tackle is tightened it pulls the 2 blocks down the spit wire effectively making the backstay shorter and increasing tension.

That's what I thought, but the backstay is so loose the center ring can be pulled almost all the way down to the transom. This is the way the previous owner had things, but I was not able to see the boat fully rigged and ready to sail. I have various lines with blocks but the new model on CD where the blocks and lines are attached to the port side of the V wouldn't work. This is just too long.
G

 

[shemandr]

Dave is correct about the adjuster but something is out of wack (An engineering term) too. It looks to me that the backstay is just too long. The cart looks to be in the position that would be normal for a tight backstay.
It would be difficult to mistake the backstay for some other standing rigging because it is split. So that's ruled out.
Is the backstay from the triangle to the masthead a single piece of wire or line?
The mast rake looks about right so I don't think the forestay is too long. No remedy there.
The double line under the triangle seems too close together. Are you sure the backstay is attached at the right points on the transom. Usually they are further apart creating a wider triangle.
What is the type of connection of the backstays to the boat? Turnbuckle? Knot? Shackle?
Not that this has anything to do with the looseness but the line below the triangle appears to run in an unfair way thru those handles. Maybe it's just the picture.

 

[GeeDee]

OK, I found this on CD
Adjustable Backstay Replacement BlocksC-22, C-25
This is apparently what it should look like, and I am missing this set of blocks and lines. However, they recommend that it be replaced with this system.
Backstay, AdjustableC-22 (and C-22 Sport 04<->13)
of course, it's 5 X the price.
I see $tingy Sailor did a great write up of the whole thing. So, for now, I'll go with the cheap version as I won't be doing any racing or pushing the envelope this year.
Thanks for the comments.
G

 

[AaronD]

I did a Dyneema system - analogous to the adjustable one CD sells; total cost was ~$190 at the time - probably $200-250 now if you feel like a little splicing.

 

[Joe]

Greg, don't buy that kit... just build your own and assemble like the picture. A single with becket and cam cleat will be most expensive. Garhauer sells one for about $65 that takes up to 3/8" line, but I wouldn't go any larger than 5/16, just so it fits the cleat. Then a double or fiddle for the top and a single for the return on the port side. Should be able to do it for under $100. Try Garhaurer, Defender, Velas.... all have good prices.

For your issue with the backstays... rather than cutting and reswaging the wire, I'd simply spread them out a bit more to remove the slack. It means drilling a few holes in the transom but you can use the same hardware. just my opinion. Good luck.

 

[...3TacksontheWater]

OK, I found this on CD
Adjustable Backstay Replacement BlocksC-22, C-25
This is apparently what it should look like, and I am missing this set of blocks and lines. However, they recommend that it be replaced with this system.
Backstay, AdjustableC-22 (and C-22 Sport 04<->13)
of course, it's 5 X the price.
I see $tingy Sailor did a great write up of the whole thing. So, for now, I'll go with the cheap version as I won't be doing any racing or pushing the envelope this year.
Thanks for the comments.
G

Regarding which system to use, I went with the later option. True, it is 5 times the cost but, I was replacing all of my standing rigging as I did not have providence of the existing rigging's age on my new to me '88 C-22. If you haven't yet purchased Catalina Directs' C-22 project CDs, I encourage you to do so. There's a wealth of information on rigging and possible projects. Be warned, some of the projects take a lot of skill so you need to know yourself and your abilities before jumping in. The video on the adjustable backstay is very informative.
If you don't know the age of your rigging, you might consider putting this on your radar.

Greg, don't buy that kit... just build your own and assemble like the picture. A single with becket and cam cleat will be most expensive. Garhauer sells one for about $65 that takes up to 3/8" line, but I wouldn't go any larger than 5/16, just so it fits the cleat. Then a double or fiddle for the top and a single for the return on the port side. Should be able to do it for under $100. Try Garhaurer, Defender, Velas.... all have good prices.

For your issue with the backstays... rather than cutting and reswaging the wire, I'd simply spread them out a bit more to remove the slack. It means drilling a few holes in the transom but you can use the same hardware. just my opinion. Good luck.

I believe that's good advice. Having said that, I'd encourage the OP to purchase the Catalina Direct how to video series, all three sets as there is a ton of good information on rigging, various projects and tips. It's worth every penny if you haven't done a lot of sail boat maintenance.

Without knowing the providence of the rigging, I think a bit of caution is in order. But, that's just me. I've been known to be a bit overboard on the side of safety and so far, that's served me well.

George