Can I somehow relocate my rear split stay on a davet system.

[Oday to Gallivant]

I own a 28 foot oday. The rear stay has a split which runs to either side of me while sailing. The wires are painful when run into. I have done this on several occasions. They are a necessary item no doubt. I have purchased a davet system which bolts through the transome and also is attached to the rear safety rails.
Is there some designer who can tell me how much force is exerted on the two attaching points of the rear stay to the oday s stern. And is it possible to beef up the davet system to accommodate the stays. To open up the cockpit and free myself to find future wire head collisions?

 

[Joe]

I wouldn't mess that idea of using your davit as a "chainplate" for your "backstay". It changes the geometry of the rigging. Converting to a single wire backstay is not a problem if you anchor it to a robust chainplate, bolted to the transom..... before you go to all that trouble and expense, why don't you install a couple of foam "pool noodles" around each wire so you don't hurt yourself. You could also tie some colorful yarn or tape to remind you that they're there.

 

[Oday to Gallivant]

Thanks Joe. Yes the noodles would help my noodle. I would prefer to open up the cockpit. So I may bbq and frolick more freely.
Surely there must be a way or formula to see what the geometry difference would be? By lifting a chain plate four feet up and three feet back...or rather how about on the same line relative to the rear stay wires angle to the top of the mast. And say making a large diameter upside down horseshoe shaped mount. Something that spans the width of the boat. Perhaps bolted to where the winches are now utilizing those bolts and even the sheet brakes and cleat holes as a base. I was thinking of drawing back a couple new winches as well making them self tailing.
Yes others have told me buy a different boat lol

 

[Afrakes]

How about a stainless steel tower. That could put the attachment points for the split backstay above your head. It could be designed so that the geometry is preserved. Might have a problem with interference with the boom and topping lift if you have one.

 

[Oday to Gallivant]

Actually no there wouldn’t be any more interference. Can you give me an example of what your referring to? Diagram photo?

 

[Afrakes]

There are companies which specialize in constructing custom towers for sail and power boats. Basically it would be an arch above the helm anchored by at least four points to the deck. I believe that there is a company which offers a "tower in a box' for DIYers. I have the same problem as you. Reference the my photo. I plan to relocate the attachment point for the split portion of the back about half way up to the mast. That would spread them further apart as they intersect with the cockpit. I have an adjustable backstay and will preserve that function when I make the change.

 

[Afrakes]

Check out Atlantic Towers online.

 

[Apex]

new boat fits easiest......do you have wheel?

 

[Oday to Gallivant]

Yes Apex I do have a wheel......and actually having rid of it actually would make a lot more room in the cockpit.
Afrakes thanks for the link to Atlantic towers. However, when I looked at that link those towers are not designed for the attachment of stays. If you look at the photos ( happens that one is a large boat from Toronto). In the photo you can see the stays are still attached to the helm by their original chainplate.
I know some new Hunters have no rear stay they are self supporting masts. Which is actually not true as they have high tensions n cables within the mask running down that keep them up.

Discussion continues.

 

[MikeHoncho]

I wouldn't refund
Recommend using the davits due to what has already been said and also the fact that the davits will be the first to contact in the case of a collision in the stern, you could loose you're whole rig.

 

[Afrakes]

You're not going to find a full, ready made, bolt on solution. Get creative. Basically all you are doing is extending the attachment points for your split backstay to above your head. All depends on how deep your pockets are.