Temporarily remove backstay on B&R rig

[smokey73]

1994 Hunter 40.5 with a Fractional B&R rig and split backstay.

Can I safely temporarily remove the backstay on one side to lower in a generator into my starboard lazarette? If so what precautions should I take?
I could take the main halyard to a shackle on the toe rail for some added support on that side. It would be a lot easier using the hoist if the backstay wasn't in the way. I can probably work around it but that' just one more thing to worry about when positioning the load to lower it in.

With the swept back spreaders/shrouds on the B&R rig I'm not even too sure what the backstay does other than add some pre-bend and also act as a "backup." Its nice to have the security of the backstay anyway. I've thought of adding a backstay tensioner but in reading the forum there is a difference of opinion as to whether it is of much benefit. The later Hunters with a similar rig don't even have a backstay.

 

[victorhoisington]

the B&R rig only uses the backstay to provide tension on the forestay to help up and downwind trim. The backstay is not providing any real support to the mast so yes, you should be able to do as you need with out having to worry about the backstay, I disconnect mine occaionaly as needed to put up/take down the bimini since the frame gets in the way.

 

[Marco Garcia]

Yes you can. My standing rigging was replaced with the mast not removed.

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

Absolutely no problem. My spreaders are swept-back 30 degrees. I step and un-step my mast up to 3 times a year because of my location and I don't even bother with the backstay until I get back to my dock after stepping. In fact I've even sailed (in light winds) with it completely loose just to see what would happen to the shrouds and mast. So you can go for it, get yourself the needed room it will not be a problem.

As for the idea of a backstay tensioner, I have one on my masthead rig and it's not as efficient on sail adjustment as it might be with your fractional rig. So it might be something to consider mostly for sail adjustment but others here can chime in. FWIW, the shrouds do indeed tend to lose some tension with backstay tensioner usage because of the 30 degrees sweptback spreaders. No much but they do ! Good luck with the genny installation.