Backstay on the M?

[Moe]

The weight aloft issue is worth debate. While the weight of the truck and skinny backstay may be gone, the extra mast length, as well as extra sail fabric weight, is on a very long lever arm... longer than that of the weight removed.

Honestly, the biggest advantage I see to not having a backstay is fishing off the stern. That doesn't seem to hamper Windmusher though. I think for that reason, when I do Duane's adjustable backstay mod, I may keep his shackle for easy backstay disconnection while anchored for fishing.

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Moe

[baldbaby2000]

Here's my 2 cents: I think the addition of a backstay would cause a significant loss of performance because you'd give up the mast rotation. I used to race C-scows and Hobie 18s both of which were fractional rigs with rotating masts and no backstays. The mast naturally would bend in high winds when the sheet was tightened and this would flatten the sail. I've experimented on my 26M by intentionally not letting the mast rotate and the boat goes slower. From experience on other boats I'd also say that the is also probably less mast bend when the mast doesn't rotate. The ability of the mast and boom to bend is a good thing for performance.

If you do add a backstay, it may be a good idea to totally defeat the mast rotation by pinning the mast base somehow. Otherwise the mast may want to twist. I'll have to say that not having the mast rotate would make it easier to implement an electronic wind direction indicator.

As far as strength; I guess we'll have to see if people report 26M rigging failures when going offwind.

BB