Just got a new main from Banks and discovered that there is an overlap between the backstay and main roach - looks to be about 3-4 inches. That will of course create a wear-point with every tack. One solution is to have the main re-cut to eliminate this problem - I'll save that as my fall-back position since I want to keep the roach if possible. My question: Has anyone put a mod on their 30 that would allow the effective placement of the backstay to be higher? I have seen smaller boats with a batten + block mounted on the top of the mast that moves the backstay away from the main's roach until needed for down-wind runs. Would that work? I have also heard that given the B&R sweep to the spreaders, the backstay is not really needed - any truth to that rumor? Suggestions? Thanks! Scott Stevenson "La Dolce Vita" '93 H30 Portland, OR USA
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Excellent - a solution!
Hi Alan, Did you do this mod from a kit, or something you came up with on your own? What materials were used? How attached to masthead? Thanks for the quick response - this is the type of solution I am looking for! ~ Scott
Hi Alan, Did you do this mod from a kit, or something you came up with on your own? What materials were used? How attached to masthead? Thanks for the quick response - this is the type of solution I am looking for! ~ Scott
Thanks...
...but its not my idea. Many OD's use this idea. But I did make it myself out of a sail batten and a very small flag halyard block. You will also need to replace the backstay. I used Amsteel line which is much stronger and lighter. The tang at the masthead is specially made for this application. It costs about $20. APS also sells a batten kit for about $30. Sailing down wind you release the backstay and allow the batten to pull it up and out away from the main.
...but its not my idea. Many OD's use this idea. But I did make it myself out of a sail batten and a very small flag halyard block. You will also need to replace the backstay. I used Amsteel line which is much stronger and lighter. The tang at the masthead is specially made for this application. It costs about $20. APS also sells a batten kit for about $30. Sailing down wind you release the backstay and allow the batten to pull it up and out away from the main.
Use of the tool
Thanks for the information; I will pursue. One final clarification: I assume that you release the backstay pressure (thus allowing the batten to pull the BS out of the way) when you sail UP wind? Doing this DOWN wind doesn't make sense to me since the only time you may need the backstay is running down wind. Or am I missing something here? Backstay tension: Wondering how you adjust this and where the release mechanism is located. Assume you have the split backstay arrangement for walk-thru transoms - where do you put or place the adjuster? Tang at mast head: Is this something special for this type of application? Where did you get it? Batten: Any special length or stiffness? Again, thank you very much of the information, it is much appreciated. ~ Scott
Thanks for the information; I will pursue. One final clarification: I assume that you release the backstay pressure (thus allowing the batten to pull the BS out of the way) when you sail UP wind? Doing this DOWN wind doesn't make sense to me since the only time you may need the backstay is running down wind. Or am I missing something here? Backstay tension: Wondering how you adjust this and where the release mechanism is located. Assume you have the split backstay arrangement for walk-thru transoms - where do you put or place the adjuster? Tang at mast head: Is this something special for this type of application? Where did you get it? Batten: Any special length or stiffness? Again, thank you very much of the information, it is much appreciated. ~ Scott
Scott
Yes you do have one thing wrong. The backstay is totally released when sailing down wind. There is no need for flattening the main nor tensioning the headstay on a down hill run. The only time you need to increase backstay tension is driving up hill(into the wind) and only then if the wind is above 8 knots or so. As for the masthead fitting, I can't remember where I bought it. I will see if I can find the paperwork for it. Batten length and stiffness is a matter of trial and error. As I remember, it is about 44" long. However trying to describe stiffness is a bit difficult.
Yes you do have one thing wrong. The backstay is totally released when sailing down wind. There is no need for flattening the main nor tensioning the headstay on a down hill run. The only time you need to increase backstay tension is driving up hill(into the wind) and only then if the wind is above 8 knots or so. As for the masthead fitting, I can't remember where I bought it. I will see if I can find the paperwork for it. Batten length and stiffness is a matter of trial and error. As I remember, it is about 44" long. However trying to describe stiffness is a bit difficult.
this worked for me
I put a small diameter roller on the back stay. a shroud cover a bit oversize works good. clamp it right where the roach taps the backstay and it willease chafe and let it roll thur easily.
I put a small diameter roller on the back stay. a shroud cover a bit oversize works good. clamp it right where the roach taps the backstay and it willease chafe and let it roll thur easily.
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