C-22 backstay question

[Matt]

Can a pigtail backstay be rigged to be adjustable (it's new and I don't want to replace it just yet)? I was thinking about putting a shackled triple block on the pigtail, and mounting a double with a cam-cleat to the stern. The purchase would take the tension off of the turnbuckle if it were pulled tight enough, but would that make a difference? Afterall, the tension would simply be shifted to the opposite side of the traveler.Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

 

[Michael McCann]

Pigtail?

Matt;Are you talking about the short piece hanging from the backstay that is used to support the boom when the sail is furled (not hoisted)? I wouldn't use that to adjust the backstay tension. It is not designed for such a task.Michael

 

[Brad Williams]

The pigtail only serves to hold up

the boom when you don't have the main raised. You might view it as a cheap substitute for a topping lift, but it's limited in it's use.I too am confused by your question. Don't adjust anything with/on/about the pig tail. There are those who will suggest that you don't even use it. Certainly, don't be sailing with it attached.To hold up the boom when not under sail, you really want a topping lift. With a topping lift, the pig has utility in keeping your boom relatively stable in a horizontal direction without you having to crank down on the boomvang or traveler and stress the rig. But, again, I'm unsure of your question.Good Sailing,Brad

 

[Michael McCann]

Backstay Pigtail

Matt;I agree with Brad. I personally consider the pigtail to be a safety hazzard. I removed the one that was on my C25 (15 years ago), and installed a topping lift that was easy to use. A topping lift is a line that runs from the top of the mast to the end of the boom. There are several ways to install one. Fixed at the mast head, and adjustable at the boom end, fixed at the boom and turned at the mast head (like a main halyard) down to a cleat, on the mast, deck, etc! If you want to adjust the tension on the back stay to increase/decrease the tension on the forstay, you should do it right. Which on your's would probably require shortening the existing backstay to make room for a vang type of setup. You could have a shorter stay made for this, or shorten the existing one.Michael

 

[George]

Boomkicker and adjustable backstay

If you are trying to use the pig tail as a topping lift, rather than going through the hassle of installing a topping lift you may want to look at getting a "Boomkicker". It is a variation on a rigid vang which works quite well to hold the boom up, without adding yet another line running up the mast, etc. We installed one this spring on our Capri 22 and have been delighted with it. You should be able to find it at Sailnet.com or westmarine.If you really want to install an adjustable backstay, you may want to consider taking a look at the adjustable backstay arrangement that Catalina uses on the Capri 22 racing package. It works quite well, and I would have to think that given that it is on the Capri 22's it is sized appropriately for a 22. While I don't know the length of the C-22 backstay compared to the Capri 22 backstay, if they are the same, you might even be able to simply swap them in and out. If you need more info on the Capri 22 adjustable backstay let me know and I will try and dig up my manual for the specs, etc.George