Adjustable backstays for C-22s

[Matt]

In my quest for better performance of my C-22, I have decided to go with an adjustable backstay. I wanted some thoughts on my idea as to making a fixed backstay adjustable...Shorten the current stay by 5 to 8 feet and add a single block to the end, add an eyebolt to the port side of the traveler, install a triple with becket and cam and a regular triple on one side, run a length of 5/16" between the two eyebolts and through the single at the end of the stay. I figure that will give a 12:1 purchase? Any thoughts, recommendations, thumbs up, thumbs down?

 

[randy]

backstay

Thats the way to do it....I wouldnt use the old back stay though....the cable is cheep enough to build it from scrach.......

 

[Matt]

Should I use a larger diameter wire?

Now that the tension can be adjusted, should I use a larger diameter wire to compensate?

 

[Michael McCann]

Adjustable Backstay

Matt;Have you looked at any C22's with adjustable backstays? I can't visualize your description, but I'm sure 12:1 is way overkill. You should only put enough tension on the backstay to flatten the main, and remove sag from the forestay when going to weather. So going to a larger size isn't really needed, however, since you probably make a shorter one it wouldn't hurt to be one size larger.Mike

 

[Matt]

The reason I was thinking of a 12:1 was

I figured it would allow for more precise tuning. Am I wrong about this?

 

[Michael McCann]

Precise Backstay

In my experience, precision doesn't relly come in when making backstay adjustments. It is just easing it when you are off the wind, and cranking down on it when going to windward. 12:1 means you have to pull 12 inches to move the backstay 1 inch. It would just be easier.