I've just got to jump in here!!
What Fred is saying is absolutely correct. I had a 34 and set the prebend at 8" before hoisting the mast. The B&R, unlike other rigs, puts no extra load on the deck, compression post or anything else by bending the mast. Part of the backstay component will add load to the compression post. However, the compression post will more than handle the added load. If it needs to be replaced, then fix it!!(mine never did)....next topic.......Adding backstay will remove headstay sag and greatly improve windward performance. Adding backstay will only slightly unload the cap shrouds. Most of the force is used to tension the headstay with only minimal loss of shroud tension (assuming the shrouds are properly tensioned in the first place.) The trade off is more than worth the gain. If your bimini is being torn, modify it….sail controls are way more important….besides who needs a bimini while your sailing?? Just think of it as a convertible with the top down.
What Fred is saying is absolutely correct. I had a 34 and set the prebend at 8" before hoisting the mast. The B&R, unlike other rigs, puts no extra load on the deck, compression post or anything else by bending the mast. Part of the backstay component will add load to the compression post. However, the compression post will more than handle the added load. If it needs to be replaced, then fix it!!(mine never did)....next topic.......Adding backstay will remove headstay sag and greatly improve windward performance. Adding backstay will only slightly unload the cap shrouds. Most of the force is used to tension the headstay with only minimal loss of shroud tension (assuming the shrouds are properly tensioned in the first place.) The trade off is more than worth the gain. If your bimini is being torn, modify it….sail controls are way more important….besides who needs a bimini while your sailing?? Just think of it as a convertible with the top down.
Fair winds and following seas, Charlie