Adjusting Backstay

[tflick]

Hello, I am rigging up my 1985 Hunter 23 for the first time. I cannot figure out how to rig the adjustable (pulley) mechanism for adjustable back stay. I know I have to pull it down to tighten the backstay, but what do I use to pull it down and where would that attach? Also, at the aft end of my boom, there are two lines that run down the starboard and port sides of the boom. What are these for? Your help is much appreciated.

 

[Mark Major]

There is a pulley in the center of the adjuster car you can put a 1/8" line over. You can tie one end to one turnbuckle and haul down on it and tie it off to the other turnbuckle, or install a cleat. This year I have opted to tie it off and return it to the same turnbuckle; I don't see how the load difference will change but I haven't tried it out yet. This adjuster is not standard equipment and must be used carefully not to put undue stress on your forestay and the bolts going through the top of your mast that hold the piece your backstays are attached to. I have retrofitted mine to a larger diameter bolt for overadjusting previously caused mine to distort.

On your boom you have an outhaul for the mainsail you tie off to the cleat underneath. You then have two lines port and starboard; one is used for reefing and the other a topping lift. If you don't currently have a topping lift cable run to the top of your mast a 1/16th stainless cable will do. It's length can be made so that it reaches to the point your boom attaches to your mast and clipped to that point when lowering and stowing the mast.