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New Backstay
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:16 am
by Snow Goose
Hi folks, searched the forums but could not find what i was looking for.
Does anyone know the best source for a new 26X back stay on the east coast of Canada.
thanks
Rick
Re: New Backstay
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2015 9:30 am
by Tomfoolery
Well, BWY will sell you one, but if it were me, I'd just make my own. Which I have.
Buy the small swage tool, some 1/8" 1x19 wire rope, a 2-pack of thimbles, 4 Nicropress ovals (copper, NOT aluminium), and go at it. Make up one end, attach it to the chicken head, raise the mast, and determine where the other end should be based on the hardware.
And this is a good time to replace the stay adjuster with a Johnson lever, while you're at it. Makes it easy to raise the mast, make the forestay, then slacken the MRS and snap the Johnson lever home.
Since I'm spending your money.
Re: New Backstay
Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2015 10:43 am
by Wind Chime
Since we are spending Snow Goose's money .... add an adjustable back-stay.
All you need in addition to the backstay cable is a 4:1 block and tackle.
This inexpensive option has 2 advantages:
1) Easier to pin the forestay when raising the mast.
- release the tension on the backstay (allowing the mast raising system to bend the mast slightly forward)
- pin the forestay
- then tighten the backstay after the forestay is pinned)
2) Control of mast bend.
- tighten the backstay during higher winds to flatten the top half of mainsail.
