Catalina 22 Adjustable Backstay Installation

[Tony Carlisle]

I have a 1976 Catalina 22 with a single non-adjustable backstay. I'd like to add an adjustable backstay because I'm thinking about racing the boat. Is it possible to cut the present backstay about six feet from the transom, swage on a connector of some sort and add an adjustable backstay...... all without lowering the mast? Or, is this a modification that should be done with the boat out of the water and the mast dropped? The boat had an adjustable backstay installed at one time; the transom eyes are already installed.

 

[David Bergevin]

Split backstay

Tony,Yes you can. use the same pigtail connector attached to the boom and the the mainsheet attached at both ends. tighten everything up and cut the backstay 4-5 inches below the pigtail attachment point. Put on two swage fittings for 1/8" wire and slip a S.S. thimble in. A hand held swage tool that uses handles like a bolt/cable cutter will swage in place very quickly.Put a swivel pulley (I used a Harken wire block)on the thimble and run 1/4" Sta-Set X from the deck attachment point thru the block and then attached to whatever tensioning arrangement you have decided upon. The cascade over the top of the pulley when made of wire will have to be replaced frequently and the Sta-Set is rated for higher breaking and no "meathooks".Good luck.David Bergevin

 

[Tony Carlisle]

Thanks, David

Thanks, David. You just made my day. I now have an adjustable backstay in my future!