Convert a single back Stay to a Double

Mar 11, 2014
224
1057
Has any one ever done this. My Capri has has a single back stay that is off center. I'd like to convert this to the dual with the Adjuster. Any one have any experience in doing this?
 
Jul 3, 2013
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I do not have any experience in converting, but it is something I am also contemplating.

An adjustable backstay is / was part of the CP22 Racing package option. Catalina Direct has a package with all the needed parts. Here is the one for a standard rig: http://www.catalinadirect.com/index.cfm ... -cp-22.cfm

If you have a newer CP-22, you may already have the second attachment point installed - I know my hull #1258 came with both attachment points already installed.

I am also considering a split backstay (not adjustable). Having the two backstays (vice one off center one) would make the rig easier to tune with a Loos gauge.
 
May 16, 2012
90
Catalina Capri 22 IL
Check to see if you have both connection points first. If so you are most of the way there. The factory setup that is linked above is not that good for racing. If you are just cruising then it may work okay. There are a bunch of different solutions to address the upgraded backstay. Most of use have gone away from wire to a vectran (or similar) line. I also am using the new low friction rings to create a cascaded purchase system.
 
Jul 3, 2013
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pgudat said:
.... have gone away from wire to a vectran (or similar) line. I also am using the new low friction rings to create a cascaded purchase system.
Patrick - Can you tell me more about your setup, or point me to a commercial site that shows it? I want to explore all my options before I settle on a "solution".
 
Aug 27, 2013
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Mike, I am curious as to why you would need to do a backstay adjustment with a Loos gauge. When I do all of my rig adjustments my backstay tension is off. Am I missing something?

Chris
 
Jul 3, 2013
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Chris - Let's see if I can describe clearly what I am talking about. It is not about adjusting the backstay, per se, but the uneven effect the angled back stay has an the upper and lower shroud tensions.

Lets say we have the backstay completely slack - no tension on it at all.
Then we adjust the port and starboard uppers to a point where the port lower tension equals the starboard lower tension and the port upper tension equals the starboard upper tension.
Now we are going to add some backstay tension. Assuming the single backstay is mounted toward the starboard side of the transom, when we tension the backstay, it applies pressure both rearward and to the starboard side. This uneven backstay pressure (in our example) would cause the port side shrouds to tighten some and the starboard side shrouds to loosen some. You can definitely see the difference on the gauge when you re-measure the port and starboard shrouds.

Under sail, this means the mast head would "fall off" (sideways mast bend) different amounts on different tacks. Can you see this when sailing? Not sure, I have never really tried to determine / measure the speed difference.

With an adjustable or split backstay, you do not see this effect, as the backstay tension (being equally divided between the two legs) is in a straight line rearward, applying tension to both the starboard and port shrouds equally.

Hope this explains what I am talking about.
 
May 16, 2012
90
Catalina Capri 22 IL
Chris said:
Mike, I am curious as to why you would need to do a backstay adjustment with a Loos gauge. When I do all of my rig adjustments my backstay tension is off. Am I missing something?
Yes, the off-center backstay is not adjustable with a line if I recall correctly. It's fixed.

Mike said:
Patrick - Can you tell me more about your setup, or point me to a commercial site that shows it? I want to explore all my options before I settle on a "solution".
I don't have any relevant pictures but I'll do the best to describe. I have a 3/16" spectra backstay that has a "kicker" (batten) at the top of the mast to keep it away from the mainsail. Then about 6' above the deck in the back, I end it with a Low friction ring. I ran about 6-7' of spectra through the ring making a 2:1 purchase. At the ends of the second 6' piece, I put another ring. Then I have a line running from the attachment point on the stern, through the second ring, back down the the attachment point through a turning block, through a turning block on the rear corner stanchion and up to the traveler location. The final purchase is like 8:1 I believe.

I did a very crude drawing on a sticky that may shed some light...
 

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Jul 3, 2013
107
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Patrick - Thanks for the sketch - it got the idea across nicely!

Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words (and a couple of beers).