Split backstay tension

[Dave Winiker]

Being the relatively new owner of a 1987 Hunter 31 with a split backstay I'd like to find out if anyone can tell me what the proper tension on them should be. Mine seem quite loose and I'm therefore concerned that this condition may be jeopardizing the integrity of the mast standing rigging. A Loos gage reading would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Gary Scheier]

Check with Hunter

I inquired with Hunter about putting on a backstay adjuster in order to trim the sails in high winds.They said do not exceed 25% of the backstay's max tension. This was for our '91 Hunter 28. You may want to call them at 800-771-5556.Gary Scheiers/v Serenisea

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

adjust your backstay

Dave, based on my experience with my h23 and crewing-on/watching other boats, I would say you're asking the wrong question. I do not tune the back stay when I put my mast up, but leave it just tight enought to keep the mast from falling forward. I installed a split back stay adjuster on a 3to1 fall so I can adjust it under sail to suit my point of sail and appearent wind strength. Going down wind, you will want to ease back stay tension, cunningham and outhaul to create more draft in both your main and your headsail. As you harden onto the wind, you will tension the backstay, which pulls the mast head back and, in combination with increasing cunningham tension and outhaul, flattens your sails and moves the draft forward in the sails, giving better up wind performance. In other words, there is no one right backstay tension.If you can, crew on an experinced racing skipper's boat for a few races and ask lots of questions about how the backstay, cunningham, outhaul and other sail and rigging controls shape the sail. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo