Stern rail perch seats with split back stay?

[caguy]

I would like to make some perch seats and was curious how you worked around the split stays. I can mount them in front of the stays but it does not allow you to lounge against the back rail. Can the stays be moved more centrally without compromising the integrity of the rigging? On my Mac25 I moved the split stays to the center with no problems.
Any ideas are appreciated.
I can make the pair of them for about $5 dollars.
I cut a pattern today out of a sheet of 3/4'' Styrofoam I had laying around the house.

 

[JerryA]

I've noticed some backstays come down right in front of these seats. I've wondered how comfortable that can be. I don't see any reason they can't be narrowed as long as there is somewhere to attach.

 

[FourPoints]

I'm not sure about the Catalina 27, but I know the 25 came with the optionis of a split backstay, or a single backstay. The single was a little stronger at the single attachment point than the split...

 

[caguy]

My concern is whether there is a safety or performane issue with the taller mast and additional sails on the larger boats. There is a secured chain plate in the center where the tension adjustment attaches. Do the split stays contribute significantly laterally to the stabilty of the mast? If not why split them in the first place?

 

[FourPoints]

Do the split stays contribute significantly laterally to the stabilty of the mast? If not why split them in the first place?

to the best of my knowledge, split stays add nothing to the stability of the mast over that of a single backstay.

As to why split them? A) it allows the load to be spread over a wider area with 2 chain plates instead of one. B) for sugar scoop transoms like mine, to keep them out of your way whe going through the transom. C) easy and inexpensive addition of backstay adjuster

 

[caguy]

I'm going to go with the single backstay.
I found what I thinks is going to be perfect material for the seats. I found some 1/4'' laminated aluminum honey comb panels. They have a polyvinyl laminanant on them. The panel was $2/lb. This stuff would also make a great companion way hatch. I'm going to pick another piece up for a starboard bench seat slide out for sleeping.