Forestay Length

[PatTormey]

My oDay 322 forestay is too slack, so Thinking I could tighten it some, I found that the turnbuckle under the old CDI furler was already as tight as it could get.

So Now I'm thinking that before I go hacking off a few inches of stay and refitting the turnbuckle I should ask.

What's the best way to fix this problem?

I plan to measure the existing stay to see if it's the original length but original length is a bit fuzzy (estimated at 40.4") Mast is down so I can measure the boat and calc the proper length. Just not sure how to do that.

Thanks
Pat Blue Skies NH USA

 

[Jackdaw]

Add an inch of rake to your mast. That's probably the reason it's slack in the first place.

Also if you re-center that buckle, you will gain 3/8th of an inch of pull.

 

[PatTormey]

Thanks but it's already too far raked. With no forestay pull the backstay has nothing to pull against except the side stays.. Result. rake ;-)

Pat

 

[agprice22]

Maybe it is time for new stays? Not to divert here, but why would the backstay pull against the shrouds? I am not familiar with the arrangement on your boat, but unless there are lower shrouds fore of the mast, the backstay should not be pulling on shrouds.

My stays are original, 1987, stays. They still have plenty of adjustment in them. It may be that yours are worn out, or maybe they were replaced by a PO with the wrong length. Also, maybe an incorrect shackle or chainplate was added? I know that when I set up my boat the first time, I discovered a "strap" plate needed to be added above the stern chainplate to allow the backstay turnbuckle to reach. This was confirmed by the PO, but it seems the strap got misplaced. That was a stressful moment! So it may be possible that some plate or shackle has been added that doesn't belong. Just an idea!

Thanks,

Andrew

 

[Sprega]

Add an inch of rake to your mast. That's probably the reason it's slack in the first place.

Also if you re-center that buckle, you will gain 3/8th of an inch of pull.

I'm with Jackdaw here. Has the rake of your mast effected the helm? If not, maybe you need to Back off your forward lowers and take up more backstay.

 

[jibes138]

Replace the end fitting with a norseman or equivalent. You can shorten the wire to your desired length in the process.

 

[PatTormey]

Hi Dave,
Looks like a solid solution. And I can install it while the mast is up. Easier to figure the length that way. THANKS!
For future ref there is a YouTube view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AsEXFr8NrU that show the installation.

Pat Blue Skies NH USA

 

[the_alpine]

2 more great Norseman videos:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CFelTot8K_s
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo_H1qmUroY

 

[PatTormey]

Look like another model Hi-Mod from Hyan Marine might be a better design, only in the it has a build in separator for managing the wires.

http://www.hayn.com/marine/rigging/himod.html

 

[Panta Rei]

Hold on folks. The O'day owners manual has exact measurements for each stay. ( at least they provided measurements in my owners manual, 1983)
This must be the first place to start. Measurements are done with the mast down.
Don't underestimate what a PO can do.

 

[jibes138]

Hold on folks. The O'day owners manual has exact measurements for each stay. ( at least they provided measurements in my owners manual, 1983) This must be the first place to start. Measurements are done with the mast down. Don't underestimate what a PO can do.

i think the issue is when roller furling is added and the rigging is modified for that. The OEM measurement would apply to a hanked on headsail.

 

[PatTormey]

Could be but I don't think this one is. It's unlikely that the OEM market would required a different Forestay and this furler slides over the stay. That said the PO might have bought the while stay and furler from Craig's list. I'll see if I ca dig up the original measures before cutting anything,
Thanks

 

[jibes138]

Your picture doesn't show it but rather than screwing around with the stay, why not find a shorter fitting for the piece on the right that attaches to the chain plate? Is this a possibility?

 

[PatTormey]

mm thanks Dave, I'll have a look. Might be some wriggle room there..
Pat