Backstay Tension

[jackson19791]

I have a 1992 Catalina 28. As typical on that particular model it does not have a split backstay. I do not have the manual for my boat and I am curious as to what tension should I have the backstay set to. It seems that if I tighten it even slightly to much my mast seems to tilt slightly to starboard which is the side that the backstay is attached to the stern. Does anyone have any suggestions?Thank you

 

[Bayard Gross]

Backstay tension not measured

The backstay tension is irrelevent and not measured.You measure tension on the forestay, uppers, and forward and aft lowers in conjunction with getting the mast either fairly straight or raked back. And then these are checked sailing to make sure nothing sags on different points of sail.Tha backstay is made just tight enough to prevent the forestay and shrouds from changing their desired tension.Nevertheless, with a backstay adjuster, the fun begins. And there you will have a backstay that goes from very loose to very tight, changing the tension of the forestay and shrouds at the same time.