Need advice for running backstay with staysail on H49

[Gianni65]

Hello.

I'm installing a staysail on my Hunter 49 and I'm wondering if running backstays are needed or recommendable, considering the B&R rigging.

Any advice or sharing of experience would be very much appreciated.

Thanks and warmest regards

G

 

[jssailem]

You can set up the staysail rig.

Go out on the water and observe the contrary bend created in the mast as the forces applied to the fractional rig occur, or you can wisely add the running back stays at the start and just go sailing.

It is a choice situation.

 

[Terry Cox]

There are former Hunter Marine technicians available on this site to pose that question. Most of the larger Hunters were designed with a staysail option so likely no need for a backstay. But I would defer to the experts on that question.

 

[Windpilot]

I added the staysail on my H410. Nothing in the factory manual which includes a page on the option shows running backstays, but I also read about them being needed. I went without.
The staysail is so much smaller, so easy and fun to use. It's still new to me but at 24knts true wind, going ddw wing on wing both poled out, no main it was pretty stress free to the mast besides the picture perfect sailing that day.
Plus i really don't want more running rigging complicating things if really not needed.

 

[jssailem]

really don't want more running rigging complicating things if really not needed

I read your comment and understand that if running backstays are needed you really want them.

That is when I seek out the expert. An experienced rigger with knowledge of the mast and the specific boat rigging requirements, the SBO staff here at the store who helped build the Hunter boats, or the mast maker of your mast and ask about the design needs.

 

[Windpilot]

I completely agree with you. I had an old guy (like me lol) 30year veteran respected rigger on the project as well as our long time s.ca Selden rigger/dealer on my project. It took maybe 4 months or so before my all new rigging settled in and was tuned correctly, sailing with the professional riggers. And it's not like I'm a complete dummy after 40 years of sailing, on my 4th boat.
I'm not concerned at this point with running backstays. I'll be crossing CA to Hawaii this summer, i sure hope I don't eat my words and lose my rig......

 

[jssailem]

hope I don't eat my words

I think there is a medicine for that...
"Just a spoon full of sugar helps the...."

 

[Windpilot]

To the op, and others I did find this and on the 3rd page it explains how the swept back spreaders on our BR rigs with the diagonals eliminate the need for running backstays.

 

[tkwhalen]

I have the factory installed staysail on my 49 and there are no running back stays.

A question for you .... Where do you keep you boat in the Naples area? Where was it during Ian? Of course I'm assuming here you have in Naples Florida not Naples Italy.

I planned on moving mine to Ft Myers Beach where I have (had until Ian) a condo. Luckily covid hit and I kept it up here waiting for all the bars between Ohio and FMB to reopen so I didn't lose it during Ian as well.

 

[jssailem]

Nice document regarding the rig. Thanks.