Backstay tensioner for H30 88-94

[Patrick Randall]

Has anyone added adjustable backstay tension to a H30 88-94? If so, did you re-use the existing backstay?

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

I did not

When I addeded the Back Stay Adjuster to my 28.5 I opted to replace the whole thing. I went with some High Tech Line From the top of the mast to 8 feet off the deck and then did a cascade system for a 16-1 set up. I went this way because of buying a UK Powerhead Main that has more roach than the stock main. I did if for chafe reason's and reduceing weight at the mast head. I felt that a system that did not pinch was better only becasue it when tightned would pinch togather and would be in the way when driving the boat from the most aft postion. When holding both the new Back Stay and the new in both hands the weight difference was allot more than I thought it would be.Cliff H 28.5 "Red Dog"

 

[Frank Walker]

Reused the Back Stay

Randall, I used a Harken wire rope block on the end of the backstay(where the plates split the original setup) then replaced the existing split section with a 7x19 wire bridle fixed on one end and thru a turning block on the other. I installed a copper sleeve as a stop before the swaged eye on the turning block end to serve as a safety backup. The eye is then attacked to a 18 to 1 cascaded purchase giving me a total of 36 to 1 inclucing the block on the end of the backstay. The boat points much better with a little tension on the backstay (I assume because some of the headstay sag is removed). The purchase assembly two blocks with just over a mast diameter bend to keep from breaking the stick if I get to heavy handed.

 

[Patrick Randall]

Frank,what sort of block arrangement did you you use for the 18:1 bit - was it regular line or wire?I think this is the way I'll go.