MacGregorSailors.com

I've been considering changing out the single wire backstay on my 26X, to a double backstay of Dyneema (or Vectran or maybe even Dynex Dux).

What I'm planning is to put a high-strength single block on the mast crane, where the current backstay is attached; install a cleat on the port transom, in a position corresponding to the backstay-eye on the starboard transom; then run a 5mm (or so) Dyneema line through the masthead block, from starboard backstay-eye to port backstay-cleat.


The advantages I see are: a backstay system that's laterally balanced, and self-adjusting; additional strength (5mm Dyneema is stronger than our factory backstays, and it'll be attached to both sides of the transom); and I could put a fourfold-purchase backstay adjuster on one "leg" of this backstay.

Has anyone tried this? Any thoughts? Does it sound workable?

My backstay is a wishbone setup with block & tackle for adjustment. It is a single cable from the masthead, terminating at a block. The line goes from the starboard stantion, up to the backstay block and back to the port stanchion where it connects to a block & tackle.

I don't quite see any purpose for a block at the masthead. The idea is good i.e. balanced backstay. If you go through the trouble, you may as well make it adjustable with some power, so you can take full advantage of the backstay. As for the high-tech lines, I don't have any experience. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Personally, I used 1/8" cable and 5/16" line from West Marine around 65 cents/foot. The cable was a recycled forestay. I cut the damaged pices and still had sufficient length. Swaged everything at West Marine where they have a heavy duty nicompress tool for customers' use.

Happy New Year!
Leon

Rick, the MacX backstay is only a support for down and aft wind sailing. The M's don't even have one.
I wouldn't be worried about the offset on the Macx as it is so min. only a raceing team will tell the diffrence between the two. If you wanted a Isolated backstay for Ham or SSB than thats a plus.
Dave

Rick Westlake wrote:I've been considering changing out the single wire backstay on my 26X, to a double backstay of Dyneema (or Vectran or maybe even Dynex Dux).

What I'm planning is to put a high-strength single block on the mast crane, where the current backstay is attached; install a cleat on the port transom, in a position corresponding to the backstay-eye on the starboard transom; then run a 5mm (or so) Dyneema line through the masthead block, from starboard backstay-eye to port backstay-cleat.


The advantages I see are: a backstay system that's laterally balanced, and self-adjusting; additional strength (5mm Dyneema is stronger than our factory backstays, and it'll be attached to both sides of the transom); and I could put a fourfold-purchase backstay adjuster on one "leg" of this backstay.

Has anyone tried this? Any thoughts? Does it sound workable?

I am replacing the backstay and running backstays on my VN23 cutter with Dyneema Amsteel Blue. Size for size it has the same strength as wire and is much, much lighter. Reddenmarine.com has 1/8" Amsteel Blue (available in other colors despite the name) for just $0.24/ft and 3/16" for $0.48/ft. I wanted to go a little larger than 1/8" for chafe protection (not for strength); 5/32" would be great but Redden does not stock that size. I am using the 3/16" with a whopping breaking strength of 5500lb! It is the easiest of all lines to splice; just be sure to order an appropriate size thimble for each end.

One major advantage of synthetic rigging, besides the weight, for trailerable boats is that it is easy to coil or stow. It won't kink or scratch the gel coat like wire can.

Henry
http://sports.webshots.com/slideshow/230613770IXBurv

Rick,

I have considered, doing something similar to my , I think however that the new port supported backstay, would interfere with the raising of the helm seat. Note that the seat swings away from the port chainplate ( support ).

If you, or anyone, is succesful with this install, and you can raise your helm seat. please post it on this forum so I can install it on my boat.

Ric

Ric K wrote:Rick,

I have considered, doing something similar to my , I think however that the new port supported backstay, would interfere with the raising of the helm seat. Note that the seat swings away from the port chainplate ( support ).

If you, or anyone, is succesful with this install, and you can raise your helm seat. please post it on this forum so I can install it on my boat.

Ric

My setup of the backstay is similar to that what is described by Delevi . Now it´s possible to force the helm seat past the wire but usually I lean it angular against the backstay and secure it with a rope to a cleat at the port rail.

rainer