I notice after reading the Hunter 23.5 owners manual, that it doesn't mention a backstay in the standing rigging section. Is this not a necessary piece of the rigging. I remember the first time I raised the mast the backstay that was on my boat was very loose. Maybe it shouldn't even be there. Any help.
Hunter 23.5 backstay
- Thread starter grcccw55
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It is backstay-less. Similar to, but not exactly a B&R rig. The cable that comes down from the rear of the mast is the topping lift.
That answers some of my problems about installing a bimini top. This wire was in the way. I have another rope line coming from the top aft of the mast that I have been using for the topping lift. I saw no other use for it. To put up a bimini top, do you have to sail without the mainsheet in light wind?
Let me explain as I am the godfather of the 23.5. The boat was designed without a backstay and what you have what I am thinking two topping lifts which to attach to the boom which to hold up. I would suggest removing one of those as it is not needed.
As for the bimini, go to this site and order one as they have two lofts particularly one which I introduced to Hunter many years ago which have the patterns already for your boat. Easy instructions come with it. You may want to get the longer one but you will not be able to stand up underneath the bimini on this boat. I suggest a lighter shade as the darker shades give off more heat underneath it.
crazy dave condon
As for the bimini, go to this site and order one as they have two lofts particularly one which I introduced to Hunter many years ago which have the patterns already for your boat. Easy instructions come with it. You may want to get the longer one but you will not be able to stand up underneath the bimini on this boat. I suggest a lighter shade as the darker shades give off more heat underneath it.
crazy dave condon
The topping lift connects to the rear of the boom. It should be then connected to a line that runs through the boom and toward the mast. The mainsheet and tackle (pulleys) attach to the bottom center of the cockpit to the eye fitting about 2 feet aft of the cabin companionway. You can't sail without the mainsheet. On my H26, the previous owner installed a mini-traveler in the companionway. This provided a different attachment point (further forward) for the mainsheet tackle. Instead of getting in the way in the cockpit, it gets in the way when you enter the cabin. 
However, it doesn't get in the way of my bimini while sailing. BrianW
However, it doesn't get in the way of my bimini while sailing. BrianWI just put a bimini on my 23.5 that I ordered from Ameriseam. You can order direct from them or order from this site (they make the one sold here). Same price either way. The bimini from Ameriseam is made to fit a couple inches below the boom when close hauled, so there should be no interference. You do have to move the boom out of the way sideways to fold it or unfold it, but that's a very minor inconvenience. FWIW, one other modification we did to our boat that I highly recommend is installing a "boomkicker". It does away with the topping lift, makes reefing a breeze, and gives you better sail shape in light wind.
Sesmith;
Thank you for posting the clearance of the boom and folding. When it was initially designed by the first owners of Ameriseam, I was demanded to be there for input and you said it so aptly. thanks.
crazy dave condon
Thank you for posting the clearance of the boom and folding. When it was initially designed by the first owners of Ameriseam, I was demanded to be there for input and you said it so aptly. thanks.
crazy dave condon
I believe my boat has that bimini. I have two boom bails where I can attach my mainsteet. One allows for sailing with the bimini open, the other further back on the boom does not. When sailing I've noticed I get better performance (racing) with the mainsheet in the aft positon. The boat when cruising is harder to trim with the main connected to the forward point. Anyone have any comments or experience the same thing ??
Are you sure the front one isn't for attaching a vang? The main sheet (at least on ours) was plumb when the boom was at the centerline of the boat.
Nope not for the vang. That has it's own bail. Plumb you say aye?? Mine is raked a few degrees to aft but it allows for sailing with the bimini open. I believe there are some holes where the bail may have been in that plum position. I'll have to check next time i go to my boat. As stated I get much better performance with the mainsheet in the rear position. I get the feeling that the previous owner was somewhat of an engineer and probably raced as well.
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