Running Backstay

[Robert Dean]

To AllI am thinking of dropping the mast and installing running backstays.Plan to use non stretch line as opposed to steel cable and keep my Hood roller furler systemNeed some guidance.Anybody had any experience with running backstays ??Where should I attach it on the stern ?? To the same deck fittings as the main split backstay ??What pulley/block combination should I use ? 6 to 1 or bigger ??Bob DeanHunter Legend 35 (1988)

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

Running Backstays

I had them on my Tripp 26. Boat was a a rocket. I really did'nt like them all to well 6 to 1 will not be big enough. The original design called for them to go to winches on the cabin top and you needed a person to to just the runners when sailing. I changed them to a 8 to 1 that I could adjust at the back of the boat like a backstay. In order to get good tension you will need allot of purchase and if you do not use a winch than you will need something like 10 to 1 to get enough tension on the mast to tighten the forstay. So you will be pulling in and letting out miles of line with a 10 to 1 set up and remember you will need to let one out the the other in just to tack. When you turn down wind you will need to let it all out to clear the toip of the main sail.Cliff

 

[ted]

i would have them only

if i were installing an inner forestay, otherwise its will probly be something you would never use, i dont think i would use the back stay attatchment point for the same on running backstays unless you have a way to adjust them at that point.

 

[Gerald McCombs]

Diamond Stay

I raced a H26.5 for several years with running backstays and they were definitely a pain and required one full time crew member to keep them adjusted. A better idea may be a diamond stay along with a convential backstay adjuster. I believe the liberty cup boats were set up that way so Hunter should be able to provide you with the specs on that setup.