Backstay on 1985 Catalina 22

[GeeDee]

Does anyone have a similar backstay configuration on their C22 as the photos?
I have to believe something is missing..... Either that or the forestay is WAY loose from what it should be.
I have the triangle brought down to both sides of the transom with a through bolt on the starboard and strap down the back of the transom on the port.
Am I missing something that would have allowed downward pull at the ring and blocks in the middle of the triangle?
If someone has photos of a similar setup and you can share it would be greatly appreciated.
Greg

 

[dlochner]

There should be a block and tackle arrangement between the ring on the backstay and a strong point on the transom. When the tackle is tightened it pulls the 2 blocks down the spit wire effectively making the backstay shorter and increasing tension.

 

[GeeDee]

There should be a block and tackle arrangement between the ring on the backstay and a strong point on the transom. When the tackle is tightened it pulls the 2 blocks down the spit wire effectively making the backstay shorter and increasing tension.

That's what I thought, but the backstay is so loose the center ring can be pulled almost all the way down to the transom. This is the way the previous owner had things, but I was not able to see the boat fully rigged and ready to sail. I have various lines with blocks but the new model on CD where the blocks and lines are attached to the port side of the V wouldn't work. This is just too long.
G

 

[shemandr]

Dave is correct about the adjuster but something is out of wack (An engineering term) too. It looks to me that the backstay is just too long. The cart looks to be in the position that would be normal for a tight backstay.
It would be difficult to mistake the backstay for some other standing rigging because it is split. So that's ruled out.
Is the backstay from the triangle to the masthead a single piece of wire or line?
The mast rake looks about right so I don't think the forestay is too long. No remedy there.
The double line under the triangle seems too close together. Are you sure the backstay is attached at the right points on the transom. Usually they are further apart creating a wider triangle.
What is the type of connection of the backstays to the boat? Turnbuckle? Knot? Shackle?
Not that this has anything to do with the looseness but the line below the triangle appears to run in an unfair way thru those handles. Maybe it's just the picture.

 

[GeeDee]

OK, I found this on CD
Adjustable Backstay Replacement BlocksC-22, C-25
This is apparently what it should look like, and I am missing this set of blocks and lines. However, they recommend that it be replaced with this system.
Backstay, AdjustableC-22 (and C-22 Sport 04<->13)
of course, it's 5 X the price.
I see $tingy Sailor did a great write up of the whole thing. So, for now, I'll go with the cheap version as I won't be doing any racing or pushing the envelope this year.
Thanks for the comments.
G

 

[AaronD]

I did a Dyneema system - analogous to the adjustable one CD sells; total cost was ~$190 at the time - probably $200-250 now if you feel like a little splicing.