Furler and Adjustable Backstay?

[Clayton]

Hello all,I'm getting ready to install a headsail furler on my 26.5 and have a question relating to the adjustable backstay. Does one usually use an adjustable backstay with a headsail furler? I could see using the backstay to bend the mast and flatten the main, but how would this affect the furler? Any thoughts and help on the issue would be appreciated. (p.s. this boat has a fractional rig)Regards,ClaytonS/V Walkabout

 

[Marina]

Tension on Back Stay Related to Furling

Hi Clayton,I know from one that I own, if you put too much tension on the main or the back stay, it makes furling a lot harder. Once you release the tension, you can again furl with ease. I have furlers on my N.A.C.R.A. 5.2 Catamaran, my South Coast 22 , My Luger 26 and My Hunter 27. I have tried all out and used extensively except for my Hunter 27 that I have only owned now for a season. All most all of my furlers do this. I own 2 systems, both on different boats that is called "Furlex" These are very expensive units. They don't seem to be affected as much as the other, less expensive brands.Marina

 

[Ron Barrow]

Back Stay Tensioner Advantages

Roller fruling does not reduce the advantages you recieve from an adjustable backstay. Eventhough you are using a furler, the forestay tension still increases when the backstay is tightened. The depowered headsail that results provides improved pointing ability, speed, and control in a breeze. Initially on our 33.5 (also a fractional rig with furling), I was concerned that tensioning the backstay would bend the mast sufficiently to DECREASE forestay tension. This was NOT the case. Pulling the mast back provided the expected benefits to both main and head sails. Additionally, having the tensioner enabled us to tune the rig with less prebend in the mast, which allowed for better performance downwind when the backstay tensioner is eased. It seems that all furling units are sensitive to one thing or another. On the 33.5, the Hood 810 unit seemd more seinsitive to halyard tension than to forestay tension. At any rate, backing off of the halyard and/or the backstay tensioner when furling seems a minor inconvenience. Enjoy the new toy, RonFormer Captain of Counterpoint H33.5 (1989)