Hi, I've recently bought a 83 hunter34 and was wondering if the b&r rigged mast will stand without a backstay for our haulout season. Thanks.
Hunter34 backstay removal
- Thread starter cherub78
- Start date
The B&R rig uses swept-back spreaders and shroud placement that eliminates the need for a backstay altogether.
Does your boat have a backstay? If so, it is not a B&R rig.
I am not sure when Hunter started using the B&R rig…1983 seems too early, but I a, not sure.
Greg
Does your boat have a backstay? If so, it is not a B&R rig.
I am not sure when Hunter started using the B&R rig…1983 seems too early, but I a, not sure.
Greg
Hey Greg, apparently it is with the crossed cables, the boat came with the b & r instructions however I can be wrong. Your right about the spreaders being back as they are. Just dont want to take it down without the info. Thanks Greg.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,521
The boat plan image on sailboatdata shows a backstay. I would not remove it.
The lines of what you are identifying as a B&R rig do not run far enough to the stern to appear to support the mast.
If your backstay is broken, use the main halyard and run it back to the stern. Make sure it is tight, and let it replace the backstay until you can get your wire backstay repaired. I am conservative when it comes to missing stays. I would probably run two lines from the mast back to the stern to reduce any line stretch impact.
Most B&R-rigged boats have forestays that terminate as fractional rigs. The 34 Hunter has a full foresail, which indicates a masthead rig. Masthead rigs require backstays.
The lines of what you are identifying as a B&R rig do not run far enough to the stern to appear to support the mast.
If your backstay is broken, use the main halyard and run it back to the stern. Make sure it is tight, and let it replace the backstay until you can get your wire backstay repaired. I am conservative when it comes to missing stays. I would probably run two lines from the mast back to the stern to reduce any line stretch impact.
Most B&R-rigged boats have forestays that terminate as fractional rigs. The 34 Hunter has a full foresail, which indicates a masthead rig. Masthead rigs require backstays.
The H-34 does have a B&R rig but it was an earlier version which did have a backstay. The spreaders are too short and not swept back as much as the rigs with no backstay.. here is what a quick search shows:
B&R rig - Wikipedia
Best to not take the stay off during storage but by using the boom topping lift and tightening the mainsheet on the traveler.. the mast will (probably?) have enough support to stand as long as no sail loads are on the forestay.
B&R rig - Wikipedia
Best to not take the stay off during storage but by using the boom topping lift and tightening the mainsheet on the traveler.. the mast will (probably?) have enough support to stand as long as no sail loads are on the forestay.
That's a good point about the spreaders not being back enough for my early model. Before this one ,I had a hunter28 with a fractional rig that stood up without a backstay for our crane to haul it out. This is the reason for my post just to make sure the hunter34 mast didn't come down during haulout. Sounds like this will fall, however if I use the main haliard to temporarily hold it just enough to get it hauld out then put it back on for storage, what are your thoughts
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,521
It is a guess. But sounds possible.
Storage is always a challenge. When boats are set up and the wind blows, the rigging and mast are stressed.
I'm not sure how you intend to "put it back on for storage." I would not climb the mast without a strong backstay to support it as you go aloft.
I will share that I had to remove the forestay on my masthead sloop so that I could replace the furler. We had the main halyard and the jib halyard tied tightly to the bow while the forestay was removed. The boat was in the yard. We were cautious. We managed the replacement, even climbing the mast to install the forestay, as no lifts were available.
Storage is always a challenge. When boats are set up and the wind blows, the rigging and mast are stressed.
I'm not sure how you intend to "put it back on for storage." I would not climb the mast without a strong backstay to support it as you go aloft.
I will share that I had to remove the forestay on my masthead sloop so that I could replace the furler. We had the main halyard and the jib halyard tied tightly to the bow while the forestay was removed. The boat was in the yard. We were cautious. We managed the replacement, even climbing the mast to install the forestay, as no lifts were available.
I have a 1984 Hunter with the B & R rig. FYI the spreaders on mine are swept back 30 degrees and I do take the backstay out without attaching the main halyard for support but only when preparing for stepping down the mast each Fall or stepping up in the spring. I also loosen the top shrouds and the intermediates but leave tension on the lower shroud until the mast is secured to the crane. Understand that this is only when getting reading to go to the crane and definitely not for sailing. It's geometry and the mast cannot go anywhere but you would not want to get out in waves or with sails on ! If your boat is going to be stored with the mast stepped up, I would want the backstay rigged properly. Many crane operators require the backstays to be remove as it interferes with putting the crane hook in proper position without possible damage to the backstay or the mast. Securing with the main halyard is generally OK as it will go to the port or starboard side of the boat and leave way for the crane hook to be secured to the mast. Once on land, you can re-attach your backstay and release some of the tension on all shrouds, headstay and backstay. I said some ! Not completely loose as you need to keep some stability to the mast during the winter winds. Good luck
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Yeah,looks like i have to take down the mast for winter for safety. The problem is that we only use a crane with spreader beams for haulout and the backstay is in the way. New problem for this hunter34 newbie that's been use to leaving the mast on my previous sailboats most of the time during winters. Thanks so much for all of your great insights. Much appreciated. Michel.
No problem Michel. FYI I have to step and unstep the mast everytime I want to get out of Lake of Two Mountains. Some years that means 3 stepping -ups and 3 stepping-downs ! + helping many of the 300 members of my club as we have to bring the masts down for the winter and step them up again for the sailing season. I see you're in Bathurst. If by any chance you happen to be travelling in the Montreal area on September 27th, I will be giving a training session and demo on how to safely unstep a mast at my sailing club. I'll gladly invite you to attend if you can. It's going to be in French but I don't believe you'll have too many problems and I certainly have no issues with answering questions in English.
Reread Kloudie's post and mine! Indeed most B & R rigs are fractional but the 34s from 83 to 87 were indeed masthead rigged with the swept back spreaders and do have a backstay
Yep! B & R is a fractional rig.
!
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