O'Day backstay question

[Anelajo]

We have a 1984 O'Day 25 CB, we love the boat, but there is something bugging me.
My standing rigging is stock (all 5/32), which, from what I can find out, should have 5/16" clevis pins. Forestay and backstay pins at the masthead are 5/16, as is the lower forestay pin (We have a Harken furler).
However, the lower backstay pin, toggle, chainplate hole are all 1/4" hardware...this seems wrong to me. I had to buy a eyejaw toggle for the backstay so it would reach the chainplate properly (Schaefer part 93-64), and this just doesn't look strong enough to me.
I've done a bit of searching on this, and I haven't been able to determine FOR SURE if this is safe.
We have a 150 Genoa, and plans to go to the North channel/Lake Michigan.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
Do all 25/26's have this?
I've been thinking about drilling out the existing chainplate hole and replacing the toggle with 5/16 hardware, or, making a new chainplate (maybe thicker?) with a 5/16 hole.
Opinions?
I love this forum!

 

[Pat]

Who I would rely on for this is Rudy Nickerson, (19 years at O'Day Corp. / Parts Manager). He will give you
accurate information. His company is D & R Marine, and it is located very near the old O'day factory SE Massachusetts....Assonnet, Massachusetts. ( I cannot spell Assonnet). do a spell check. Pat Coulter

 

[Anelajo]

Thank You Pat!
I will ring him up, and post his advice here.

 

[Anelajo]

Ok, so I talked to Rudy, he told me the 25/26 came with a 1/4" hole in the backstay from the factory. So, nothing has been altered evidently. He didn't really have a answer for me as far as what eyejaw toggle I need to use, he said to talk to the mfg. about it, which is understandable and prudent IMO.
I'm puzzled then, on what people use for a eyejaw toggle when they need one, since most 1/4" eyejaw toggles I've found are rated for 1/8" wire (like the Schaefer 93-64 I bought), and the 25/26 has 5/32" wire!
This all began the first time we raised the mast and the backstay was about 1" from reaching with the turnbuckle opened as far as possible. The PO was not available, and there was a long shackle there in a bin that worked, but I was never comfortable using that (the pin was undersize).
Like I referred to above, is the best thing to make/buy a beefier chainplate with a 5/16" hole so I can use a proper size toggle setup?
It seems like I shouldn't have to get a new backstay to fix this (I really don't know why the backstay is too short).
Any help/advice/opinions are appreciated, I just want to do the right thing here!

 

[Brian S]

This all began the first time we raised the mast and the backstay was about 1" from reaching with the turnbuckle opened as far as possible. The PO was not available, and there was a long shackle there in a bin that worked, but I was never comfortable using that (the pin was undersize).

Based on what you said which I quoted above, I think you have an issue with rake on the mast. The 25 is masthead rig, with non-swept spreaders. So, perhaps you can loosen the forestay turnbuckle enough to connect the backstay. Seldén Mast has a good rig tuning guide. If you click the link, it will download the PDF of the guide. http://www.seldenmast.com/files/1456145028/595-540-E.pdf

I always tune rake in my mast based on trial and error sailing close hauled in about 10-12 knots of wind. I want 3º of weather helm, no more than 6º. For more weather helm, I loosen the forestay and tighten my upper shrouds (because my spreader are swept.) For less, I do the opposite.

With a masthead rig, no swept spreaders, I would be balancing weatherhelm between forestay and backstay, and non-swept spreader shrouds would not enter into the equation.

I don't know if this will help you at all.

 

[Anelajo]

Thank you Brian, I have looked at the link as a result of your other posts, very informational.
As I said above, we have a Harken furler, so no turnbuckle to adjust (forestay is fixed length).
The main issue is my having to add a 1/4" eyejaw toggle for the pin size I need, but wanting/needing the strength of a 5/16" that would be rated for my 5/32" wire.
1/4" toggles are rated for 1/8" wire as I understand.
Went sailing today, but there wasn't even enough breeze to check my rig.
I have the backstay set at 25 on a PT1 Loos, in the safe zone for 1/8" wire, but I'm a little worried having that little 1/4" eyejaw when it comes to being out in heavy air, you know? I really think I'm going to drill out my backstay plate to accept a 5/16" toggle/pin/eyejaw toggle, then at least it will be as strong as the wire.
I'm more comfortable with a larger safety margin...everyone, please weigh in with your opinions on this!

 

[Bunky]

I lost my O'Day 25 because the backstay chain plate failed. The cause appeared to be metal fatigue. The boat was totally dismasted, a near personal disaster was narrowly avoided, the mast, boom, mainsail and all of the rigging are now somewhere in the bottom of the shipping channel of the Chesapeake Bay, and the boat was junked because the cost to re-place the mast, boom, mainsail, etc far exceeded the value of the boat. I cannot respond to all the technical issues that you raise in your email but I cannot encourage you in strong enough words to check and re-inforce, if possible, or alternately replace the backstay chainplate.

 

[Anelajo]

Oh no...I'm sorry to hear that Bunky. I would have a serious decision about that if it were to happen(*knock-knock*) to me as well.
Can you share where exactly it failed?
At the clevis pin hole, or was it lower, near the thru bolt holes?
Thanks for the response.