Modifying My MRS - Should I Go With Line or Cable BStays?

[Saxacussionist]

The baby stays are a "guide", so some give shouldn't be a problem. Having said that, my X came with metal baby stays. If you have lines, I really don't see a reason to change them.

I have a 26S with the older MRS and would like to upgrade to the M style. BWY no longer sells the kit due to liability reasons but will sell me the individual parts. All I really need is the winch, block, mast bail and a few shackles. They also offer the cable baby stays and I am wondering if it is worth the cost. I have been using baby stays made from 5/16 line and they are ok, however, there is a bit of give to them that makes me nervous now and then when I have some cross wind or have to park on a bit of a hill.

What do you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Brad

[mastreb]

Zero stretch line such as dyneema rope would be perfectly fine. You might want to go with snap shackles or pelican hooks as well, because the screw-pin shackles are a PIA. The baby stays are not under much constant tension, but they could be under some shock when things go sideways.

[Tomfoolery]

I'd do the Dyneema also, or make my own from wire rope, though I have crimp tools and you may not.

The winch is a Dutton-Lainson brake winch, 350 lb capacity. Easy to find retail on the net. http://www.dutton-lainson.com/proddetail.php?prod=15940

Bail can be gotten from West Marine and others, and of course, BWY. You'll need a block good for at least 500 lb SWL (rope turns about 90 degrees over that sheave), with a wire rope groove, which will work with wire rope or Dyneema, assuming you're using small diameter line on the winch.

[DaveB]

Last 5 years we have used 1/8 braided line for baby stays.
Amsteel 1/8 would be much better but the later still works.
I do have all the SS cables for baby stays, just no worth the added weight.
Dave

I have a 26S with the older MRS and would like to upgrade to the M style. BWY no longer sells the kit due to liability reasons but will sell me the individual parts. All I really need is the winch, block, mast bail and a few shackles. They also offer the cable baby stays and I am wondering if it is worth the cost. I have been using baby stays made from 5/16 line and they are ok, however, there is a bit of give to them that makes me nervous now and then when I have some cross wind or have to park on a bit of a hill.

What do you recommend?

Thanks for your help!

Brad

[Saxacussionist]

Thanks for your help. You saved me around $50 for the baby stays and related hardware. I will be buying the parts today from BWY. I could save a couple bucks buying them elsewhere, however, they have been very helpful, provided me with a drawing with all the dimensions and locations for installation. Well worth a few extra $$ to support a company like that...



Brad

[J--]

Oh! I finally figured it out!

Mast Raising System!

I thought he was wanting some plastic surgery for the wife!

[Saxacussionist]

Oh! I finally figured it out!

Mast Raising System!

I thought he was wanting some plastic surgery for the wife!

Thankfully not needed....

[Saxacussionist]

Oh! I finally figured it out!

Mast Raising System!

I thought he was wanting some plastic surgery for the wife!

I need to be a little more careful with my TLAs...!