Twin backstays

[higgs]

Was looking at a members year old Beneteau 31 and it has two back stays that V out to opposite corners of the stern. My question is why? The only solution I have heard is that it provides access to the walk through in the transom, but why not, then, use one backstay with a bridle that Vs out 7 or 8 feet above the cockpit floor. Two backstays is only more weight, windage, and expense. In addition, the bridle allows on to install a back stay tensioner.

 

[Nom De Guerre]

Redundancy?

 

[trainmanjess]

hello all

i do nto see an advantage of having 2 backstays... but the split backstay, 1 backstay until about 6 feet above the transom, then split into 2... that one you can use to tighten your backstay and add bend to your mast for better sail shape when racing...use 3 blocks all fastened together at the shank, with 1 each on 1 part or the split backstay, and the 3rd block with a rope through it, and each end through a camcleat... then pull down to pull the split together a little and it will add bend to your mast...

sincerley
Jess

 

[Richard Bryer]

Sounds like running back stays- used to control the tension of the fore stay and to offset the side pressure of the wind when it is anywhere other than directly behind. PITA to adjust all the time but racers like lots of adjustments

 

[Ross]

I have two back stays because it was convenient for keeping the stern boarding clear. As for added weight the extra stay is 8 pounds with the fittings.

 

[onecoolair]

Was looking at a members year old Beneteau 31 and it has two back stays that V out to opposite corners of the stern. My question is why? The only solution I have heard is that it provides access to the walk through in the transom, but why not, then, use one back stay with a bridle that Vs out 7 or 8 feet above the cockpit floor. Two back stays is only more weight, windage, and expense. In addition, the bridle allows on to install a back stay tensioner.

I see you have Nassau 34' ..... had a friend that had a Nassau, meet a nice girl that had a 50 trawler that just happen to move into the slip next to him. They soon married sold the trawler and moved aboard the sailboat for awhile. Very nice cruiser. He rebuilt and refurbish it above and below decks turned out beautiful. Made one feel very warm and welcomed below. He had only room for one back stay just like you I bet because of the canoe stern. I have no back stay. He would just look at my rig and just scratched his head and give me that look that he does....then we would both just chuckle. But his was just an act to mess with us no back stay people...But in reality he or I could really could care less who had double, split,single off to the side,or none.

 

[Ron20324]

It's just part of the overall engineered rigging that someone with knowledge gets high bucks to design.