Hi folks... Potentially stupid question here. My '87 cat 30 has an adjustable backstay. I virtually never adjust it. I don't race or anything, so whatever speed I can get out of whatever wind I have is fine with me. I know the backstay is for adjusting the sail shape and trim, but in reality, how many of you really tweak this particular adjustment? Same question goes for the boom vang. I never adjust that either, and for the most part, appears to be almost useless. Maybe I'm doing something terribly wrong, but how often do people adjust THAT particular item as well??? Thanks in advance for your advice/suggestings. Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
- Status
They do make a difference
I adjust my backstay quite a bit, and I notice a big difference when I do. Normally, I take off as much tension as I can and let it go slack after I've docked; I figure there's no need to keep that amount of tension present when the boat is going to sit for a week or more. If I forget to re-tighten before setting sail, it just seems as if I can't get the proper set until I tighten it. And I can definitely see the masthead move back when I pull the backstay tight, it puts a noticable curve in the mast. The vang is mainly for down-wind sailing. The boom will rise up with the sail with no vang; the vang allows you to pull it back down and spread the sail out a little tighter. It's not as necessary when going upwind. With the boom near the centerline of the boat, the main sheet will pull the boom down. I don't adjust my vang as often, I just keep it semi-tightened to control the boom when going downwind. I'm sure others may take a different viewpoint. I'm still a relatively new sailor so I'd like to hear everyone else's opinion, too.
I adjust my backstay quite a bit, and I notice a big difference when I do. Normally, I take off as much tension as I can and let it go slack after I've docked; I figure there's no need to keep that amount of tension present when the boat is going to sit for a week or more. If I forget to re-tighten before setting sail, it just seems as if I can't get the proper set until I tighten it. And I can definitely see the masthead move back when I pull the backstay tight, it puts a noticable curve in the mast. The vang is mainly for down-wind sailing. The boom will rise up with the sail with no vang; the vang allows you to pull it back down and spread the sail out a little tighter. It's not as necessary when going upwind. With the boom near the centerline of the boat, the main sheet will pull the boom down. I don't adjust my vang as often, I just keep it semi-tightened to control the boom when going downwind. I'm sure others may take a different viewpoint. I'm still a relatively new sailor so I'd like to hear everyone else's opinion, too.
this is simalar to the
my boat is 1/2 knot or knot faster than yours. as a cruiser when those boys with Pearsons' start talk'n bout how much faster they get there I always tell em, going ahead and get dinner started, Ill be there in a few minutes!
my boat is 1/2 knot or knot faster than yours. as a cruiser when those boys with Pearsons' start talk'n bout how much faster they get there I always tell em, going ahead and get dinner started, Ill be there in a few minutes!
- Status