Backstays have to be removed for launch

[Bluenose]

The boys at the yard tell me I have to release and tie back the backstays so they can launch with the travel lift.
My plan is to tie all the halyards to the back of the boat really tight, and then release the back stays.
Any thoughts so the whole rig does not come crashing down??
Appreciated!

 

[Joe]

Tie the backstays one at a time to the middle of the pulpit. Release some tension on the forestay. It won't come down as long as there's no undue tension on the rest of the rig to snap it forward.
Or, tell the yard to put spreaders on the lifting cables to keep them from pinching in on the rig.

 

[kloudie1]

Use the boom topping lift and the mainsheet/traveler to hold it..

 

[Ron20324]

WHY WOULD HAVNG THE HALYARDS TO THE STERN BE ANY DIFFERENT THAN THE BACKSTAYS?

 

[Bluenose]

That's a good question, probably do they can remove and re-attach quickly.

 

[duality]

isnt that a b & r rig? some hunters dont have back stays.
they release mine every year for lift & launch, no big deal. (non b&r rig)
mike

 

[DougM]

Why is that such a big deal?
I see that done frequently with Travel lifts. Some rigs will stay up, even though the mast is deck stepped because the spreaders are swept back and provide enough of a triangle to hold up the mast. Remember, there is no wind load to worry about. Keel stepped masts should be no problem.

If there is truly a concern, attach the main halyard and/or the topping lift to the toe rail just aft of the mast and forward of a point that will give the Travel lift the clearance required.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

If the yardguys are telling you this, it sounds like the travel lift is too small. Although it's not a big deal to remove the backstay, it will require re-tuning the rigging somewhat as they typically don't have a clue how to properly tune the rigging. I'd find a yard with a proper size lift.

 

[BrianRobin]

Are you launching in Halifax ? I know at Shining Waters Marina in Tantallon they can do with out removing the back stays.

 

[Justin_NSA]

We do this every time we use the crane to move boats in and out of the water. The arm of the crane must be positioned just aft of the mast. A halyard pinned aft gets in the way as well.

 

[Bluenose]

Launching at DYC. It's the same thing at South Shore marine, except the yard crew does it there.

 

[Bluenose]

OK, thanks, I'll check when I go down there this afternoon to look after this.

 

[MitchM]

on our seafarer 30 for 20 years we had to take out the backstay at both haul out and haul in to fit in the marina's 10 ton travel lift. we made a system of shackle bolts and carabiners to attach the backstay eye to the stainless pedestal of the wheel. we kept a special hexhead wrench labeled to remove the backstay pin, and bought an extra pin 'just in case. ' in high wind we'd also clove hitch 2 lines high up on the backstay and run those lines to port and starboard jib winches in the cockpit for extra stability. we eventually moved to a marina with a 50 T travelift and we don't have to do the backstay job any more , thank heavens...

 

[Bluenose]

I went over to the yard today. They told me not to worry about it, they'll look after it when we launch and they'd walk me through. Thanks for the advice on the attachment to the wheel.

 

[cymeyer]

I went over to the yard today. They told me not to worry about it, they'll look after it when we launch and they'd walk me through. Thanks for the advice on the attachment to the wheel.

We have been doing this for 20 years on our B 321 and not a problem at all.
As long as you don't try sailing without backstays, you will be fine...

 

[Bluenose]

Note to self: Attach backstays before heading out!!