Adjustable Backstay

[mike]

I keep hearing how wonderful adjustable backstays are, and I'm considering adding one to our boat (maybe the simpler Duane mod that uses the existing stay and attachment point, or perhaps the split version). Anyway, I'm wondering how many people here have added an adjustable backstay, and was it worth it?

--Mike

[Jim]

I put one on my 96 X using the parts that Duane used. I also got rid of the adjusters and installed turnbuckels on the shrouds.So now I can tune the rig.Not really sure what mod made the difference, but its a different boat now.Still not a great performer downwind, although now I can ease the backstay so that helps a bit, but upwind or on a reach, harden up the backstay and the boat starts to come alive. Close hauled the other day, I was holding my own against a Precision 23 with an extremely experenced skipper.Perhaps its all in ones mind, but I think it's made a big difference

[mike]

Thanks for the info. Do you find that the single backstay offset to starboard has a detrimental effect (in other words, pulling the mast slightly to starboard instead of straight back) compared to a split backstay?

--Mike

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

Wow, I didn't know I had developed such a performance design. I thought I was just going cheap. I guess I should try using mine more.

Funny about downwind though. I find my boat is quite fast downwind running wing on wing with the genoa poled out using the whisker pole. We have been able to run with many boats in the upper 30' range as long as they don't break out the kite on us. It's up wind that we still struggle mightily against any competition.

I guess I'll have to wait for Frank to post his secrets for putting an X at the front of the fleet.

[Frank C]

I keep hearing how wonderful adjustable backstays are, and I'm considering adding one to our boat (maybe the simpler Duane mod that uses the existing stay and attachment point, or perhaps the split version). Anyway, I'm wondering how many people here have added an adjustable backstay, and was it worth it?

Mike,
When I shortened the forestay several years ago, there was no alternative but to do *something* at the backstay, since it was coming up short. Rather than inserting an extra stainless tab, I decided to shorten it by 6' and insert a micro tackle, as has Duane.

When time permitted, I spent an additional Saturday's effort to add another tab to the port-quarter, and just lengthened the Spectra line to create the split backstay. It was as much an aesthetic urge as attempt at performance. Yes, the boat always seemed to favor the port tack (as I recall), and ... No, cannot say that the split backstay has particularly helped that anomaly, or performance in general.

However, it did help solve the crick in my neck.

[dclark]

I split mine. It was easy. Looks great, feels good, got me off the last venier pin hole. Increased performance? Nothing I've noticed, just another adjustment to screw up. Would I do it again? Yes.

[Mark Prouty]

Funny about downwind though. I find my boat is quite fast downwind running wing on wing with the genoa poled out using the whisker pole.

How long a whisker pole do you use. I'd like one for wing on wing. It is very difficult to keep the genoa from collapsing.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I have the Forespar ADJ 6-12. It is a twist lock pole that goes out to 12' which technically is too short. The length is suppose to match the length of the foot of your sail and on my 150 genoa that is more than 12'. Even though it is a couple feet short it seems to work great. Moving up to the larger correct length pole more than doubled the price. I bought it for $99. I have the version with the spike at the outboard end and the clip at the mast end. It's easy to just stick it through the ring at the tack of the sail and clip it into the fitting on the mast. I mounted the mast filling about halfway up between the mast cleats and the attachment point of the baby stays. It's been a great way to improve downwind performance without popping for the spinaker, although I still want one of those to. My wife says we need one because they look pretty.

[Mark Prouty]

Thanks Duane,

You have had incredible influence on my Mac decisions down to my initial purchase (I got a great deal on a 96X). You are the mod king. I copied your galley and have studied your outboard motor mount. Yes, my boat is a camper. I like that aspect. The detail you provided on your mods has been greatly appreciated. I eagerly anticipate the completion of the mod section on your web site. I would love to take a tour of your boat. It must be incredible. My goal is to do many things you have done on your boat. I have trouble organizing for two let alone your crew. A place for every thing and every thing in its place couldn't be more appropriate in regards to the Mac 26X.

The description and details of your exploits has been greatly appreciated. They have given me something to strive for.

I have had some experience sailing. I worked my up through the ranks at the university sailing club in Madison. I was comadore for a sailing club at the University of Wisconsin in Menomonie. I'm not a great sailor and my knowledge is limited. I know nothing about sailing a boat as big as a 26X.

My last boat was a pocket cruiser that I had a great time with. It did not compare to the Mac 26X. As you probably know, with my 96X, I had my transom reinforced and have a 115 hp Suzuki on it.

My Mac is so much fun that my son and I often go wow what an incredible boat. I love this boat! I'm not a fool, I know its shortcomings but I accept them. I knew these shortcomings before I bought the boat thanks to this website.

ps: In the future, I will not be thanking you like this. Just know it is how I feel.

[mike]

ps: In the future, I will not be thanking you like this. Just know it is how I feel.

Two words... restraining order. Seriously though, I'm a member of the Duane fan club too. He, along with the other very knowledgeable people here (Chip, dclark, Frank C., etc) have really helped me learn both about sailing in general, and about getting the most from the 26x.

I installed the "no shortening required" adjustable backstay mod today...


It was VERY easy to do... took less than an hour. I did some other rig tuning today too, so it's hard to tell whether or not the mod made a difference, but I did seem to have a little bit better pointing ability (of course, this could have been a "placebo" effect). It was quite windy on the lake today... I had the genoa rolled in to about the size of a jib, and I really should have reefed the main, as winds were about 15mph and I was rounding up in the strong gusts.

But that aside, judging by the position of the Windex, I was sailing a little closer to the the apparent wind than I have been able to in the past. Before, the rear of the wind vane would come close to, but not touch the angled "no-sail zone" indicators that stick out of the back... today, it overlapped them just a little.

Compass headings and GPS track show about 80 degrees between tacks. The boat did not "feel" right though... like it just wasn't too happy pointing this close to the wind (so, perhaps pointing ability is no better than before, as I may have just been "trying" harder this time). I think if I had reefed the main, the boat would have felt steadier.

Anyway, next time out I'll do a little more experimentation to see how much of a difference the adjustable backstay makes. In the meantime, it does look pretty cool.

--Mike

[Moe]

As a newcomer to this forum, let me also weigh in with a thanks to Duane for his help here, and on his website. I, too, look forward to the latter's completion!

--
Moe

[Moe]

BTW, has anyone used the Power Sailing Center Backstay Lever? Perhaps not so much for adjustment, but to make pinning the forestay a little easier.

[Frank C]

Moe,

Just an observation about the quick-release lever for a backstay. You can buy something similar in any West Marine for the same or a lower price. (Look at page 1015 of the latest WM catalog). You can probably get it from Defender or another catalog for a lot less.

And finally, as per Mike's photo, inserting a small-line tackle offers better overall utility. You may need to reswage the backstay a little bit shorter to fit in the tackle (no rocket science req'd).

[Moe]

Thanks, Frank. I'll check it out.

[Jim]

hey Mike.you pic of the adjuster looks just like mine...cept mines on the other way