Lengthen Backstay?

[vkmaynard]

Our boat has an adjustable backstay that snaps down to tighten the backstay (uses a pin to hold the stay between a "fork"). Now that I've reduced the rake I need to lengthen the backstay about 2-3". What is the correct term for a part that looks like a fork and has holes like the shrouds use? Were can I fined one (hopefully local)?

Thanks,

Victor

[March]

Isn't it called a shroud adjuster? West Marine might be selling them. I use a three block system on mine--similar to the one on the boom vang. It's noce to know I have a spare, just in case

[Frank C]

Vic,

Yes, it's called a shroud adjuster, sometimes called a Vernier. But don't you already have one? If the backstay is just 3 inches short, you can buy a couple strips of flat stainless to make up that distance, plus adding another clevis pin. WM probably has these flat, stainless "tabs" (?) hanging on the same pegboard as turnbuckles. I bought one of their "assortment packs" of clevis pins, ringdings, etc ... always need to have some spares aboard ... prolly around $15 for a couple of stainless tabs, $30 for the hardware assortment.

Another alternative, the smallest Johnson QR lever (quick-release, linked below) is only about $35 including clevis pins. It grants maybe a 2-inch swing when going from loose to tight. Insert it between your Vernier and your backstay loop to make up the shortage. It can be left loose when pinning the forestay, then flipped tight after the rig is all-up.

But you'll prolly need to do some cutting on the existing vernier to make things fit. That's why many owners just shorten the backstay by a few feet and insert a vang tackle ... eliminates any need for precise fitting of gear.

Johnson QR lever


Following Catigale's lead, I inserted a QR lever at the forestay, just beneath the furler drum. Greatly simplifies pinning the forestay, even when the rig tensions are set for heavy winds. (My upper shrouds are set at 450#, lowers about 350.)

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I have a couple micro blocks attached to my backstay to make it adjustable, using 1/4 inch line. I left some extra line in it because I figured one day I would straighten my mast. I raised the forestay 4 inches higher recently and I think that took out a couple feet of line on the backstay. Mast is much straighter now but still has some rake. Still has weather helm too but probably better than before.

[Jeff Ritsema]

Frank wrote:

Following Catigale's lead, I inserted a QR lever at the forestay, just beneath the furler drum. Greatly simplifies pinning the forestay, even when the rig tensions are set for heavy winds. (My upper shrouds are set at 450#, lowers about 350.)

Frank,
Which Johnson quick release lever did you use for the forestay? Johnson describes the 205 series shown by your link to be used for shroud use and has a load strength of 2500# maximum. They also carry a slightly larger one that is the 210 series that has a strength of 4000# max and is described as their choice for headstays on trailerable boats in the 30' range. Just curious about your thoughts of loads on standing rigging of boats our size?
Jeff.

[Highlander]

I use the large ones on my cutter rig under both furlers they give you more leverage & also raise the sails up & keep them from chaffing on the pulpit rail and give you a better sail shape on the foot I use a small one under neath the end of my 4ft bowsprit on the bow

John

[Moe]

Keep in mind that with roller furling, you already have a little less sail area and a higher center of effort. Raising the furler also raises the center of effort. It's not all positives, but they may outweigh the negative for you, just as roller-furling does for many.

[Frank C]

I bought the smaller one, they show at $30, working load 500. It's pretty short (maybe only 6 inches tall) and a SWL of 500# is just barely adequate for the forestay ... My Bad!

John is correct, advantages of the larger QR include higher SWL and much improved leverage ... closing my lever against 450# uppers is a bear, but pinning my forestay otherwise would be nearly impossible.

But Moe's also correct, raising the jib is going in the wrong direction, usually! However, my aftermarket UK Genoa is an extreme decksweeper, so lifting it slightly was part of the motivation behind my change. He's right, this is one of those mods where you'll balancing a positive against several negatives.

[Dave Mason]

I too have installed the larger qrf under the furler drum. Makes mast raising almost a pleasure. However raising the forestay and jib that much has lead to some interesting changes in the geometry of the foretriangle. I hope to eliminate those with a new foresail, possibly a genny, probably custom made. The mod should be in the mod section if you'd like to check it out.
Fair winds'
Dave Mason

[Frank C]

Vic,

Regarding your original question, I noticed today that West Marine carries a fitting that would precisely meet your needs. The stainless "tangs" are about $20 for a pair of 3-inch extenders. They also have an adjustoable fitting with twin arms for $22 that can adjust in a range of 2 to 6 inches. Much better choice ... looks very much like the channel of a Vernier, and it includes the requisite clevis pins.

[vkmaynard]

Yes that is the adjuster that I have. I'll look in West Marine today for the extenders. Do you know the official name of the parts?

Victor

[Frank C]

generic name = Stainless tangs.
But this is the item I think that best meets your need.

Stay Adjuster 5mm ($12 at West Marine)


Just spend 15 minutes browsing the pegboard where they have turnbuckles ... it's all right there.