Head Stay Length

[captcoho]

I am planning on installing a new Furler.
So, I want to install a new Head Stay as well. Which creates the question, How long is the Stay? Do I use the dimension/length given in my owners manual ?? I have seen differing lengths listed on other web-sites.
If I order from Catalina Direct, what information will they use, and what length would they send? They just have the part listed with no length given.
Do I need to take down the stay, measure it, and send that info. Or better yet take it down, and go to a local rigger and have it made the same length? Do these things stretch over time?
I am hoping I could get a new stay, install the extrutions and furler, take down the old system and install the new one, going up the mast in a chair only once. But like every other thing on a boat, that may be a "lofty" goal !!

 

[hvbaker]

Most riggers would like you to send the old stay so they can measure for themselves. You can get a marine eye on the top and use a Norsman on the bottom and cut the stay to size yourself and install the Norsman fitting yourself. Any way you look at it I think two trips up the mast will be required.

 

[captcoho]

Ya,That's exactly what I'm thinking, two trips up the mast. Nothing is ever easy.... : -}