Stepped my mast for the first time the other day and the 2 stays for the back are approx 6 ft to short of the chain plates. In the box of stuff I got with the boat there are 2 block and tackle set ups that would make the stays reach and be adjustable. Do folks do this?? I've been told the back stays are useless or the only need is down wind sail.
Back stays on my 26d
- Thread starter Von Clipper
- Start date
Maybe there is some good reason for two backstays on a 26D but I dont know what it is.
My 26S is very similar and has just a single back stay to an aft midpoint and you should definitely make it adjustable. Making the backstay also detachable somewhat simplifies mast raising and lowering. Ive got something like 6:1 leverage with cleat on the backstay and since these are fractional rigs (side stays attach somewhat below the top of the mast), you can adjust backstay tension and tune mast bend. Do a little homework by googling something like "how to adjust backstay tension on fractional rig". My opinion.. definitely useful.
My 26S is very similar and has just a single back stay to an aft midpoint and you should definitely make it adjustable. Making the backstay also detachable somewhat simplifies mast raising and lowering. Ive got something like 6:1 leverage with cleat on the backstay and since these are fractional rigs (side stays attach somewhat below the top of the mast), you can adjust backstay tension and tune mast bend. Do a little homework by googling something like "how to adjust backstay tension on fractional rig". My opinion.. definitely useful.
It should be one backstay, maybe the other is a topping lift?
The last section of the backstay is an adjustable block and tackle so that you can adjust tension and mast bend.
It's true your fractional rig isn't held up by the backstay, but I always keep a little tension on it.
The last section of the backstay is an adjustable block and tackle so that you can adjust tension and mast bend.
It's true your fractional rig isn't held up by the backstay, but I always keep a little tension on it.
The other could be a topping lift but it came with a hard boom kick and there are 2 chain plates on both sides stern.
If it is 2 backstays, they should be identical and symmetric side to side. A topping lift will typically be in front of the backstay attachment.
Some boats have a split backstay with the block and tackle portion going to either side.
