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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Backstay question

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Jonathan Cuff
Navigator

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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/12/2007 : 23:16:05

Hi guys

I'm just in the process of trying to replace my backstay on Pie Seas. She is equipped with a split back stay which meets at a connecting plate where there is a turnbuckle and then the wire to the top of the mast.

However when I ordered the replacement parts from CD the single backstay wire came with no turnbuckle and the length suggests it connects directly to the connecting plate. Is this right? To my mind this allows for no ajustment of the backstay tension aside from something that pulls the lower split backstay portion together.

It might have been that the PO put in the current arrangement, but I'm just wondering if it's common or not to have a turnbuckle where mine currently is just above the connecting plate.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as the current upper part of the backstay is 11 years old which isn't good in the tropics! However I don't want to take the mast down to find I dont have anything that will work.

Cheers Jonathan

Pie Sees 2 C25 #5686 1987 SR/WK

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Jmurfy
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USA
176 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 01:06:06

I have the turnbuckle you described on my 85 standard rig although I'm not really sure as to why we need it.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 15:51:03

I can't fully envision what you are describing, but if you have an adjustable back stay I could see no turnbuckle being needed. You should call Lowell at Catalina Direct. He will walk you through everything you need.

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Jonathan Cuff
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Cayman Island
173 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 17:30:25

Hi

I think I left it a bit late on a Saturday night before writing the post! Thanks for the advice I'll give Lowell a call.

What I have now are two lower backstays that connect into a trangular shaped tang.

Then there is a turnbuckle above the tang that attaches to the single backstay that goes to the top of the mast.

When I ordered the replacement from CD the single part of the backstay contained no turnbuckle and has enough length to reach the triangular plate all on its own, suggesting that the turnbuckle is not missing as such.

So the single part of the backstay I have has a threaded stud on the end to allow for the turnbuckle at the lower end whereas the one from CD just has an swaged eye.

The replacement from CD will fit (I think) but Im just wondering if losing the turnbuckle is a big issue.

Cheers Jonathan

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 17:51:10

It shouldn't be an issue provided you are able to adjust to your max on and max off setting without it.

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Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2007 : 18:52:33

The turnbuckle probably allowed for some "margin of error" in the length of the upper segment of the stay. The lower segment can adjust to a much greater degree than a turnbuckle can, as long as the median length is reasonable. I've seen other systems (not on C-25s) where one side of the lower segment had a turnbuckle, but that would be half as effective for adjusting the overall length.

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cat1951
Admiral

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USA
636 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2007 : 07:45:44

Jonathan, our 85 standard rig has the triangle tang and turnbuckle as well. I have looked at replacing the split backstay and from what I have seen, the new setup is with a single stay that includes some blocks. (Sorry I am not as well versed at describing all the different parts. I am new to this sport.) However, the intent, as I have read about it is to provide the sailor with the same amount of backstay adjustment throughout the range of length of the stay. On the triangle set up, you lose the adjustment effectiveness the further you tighten it down. Basically it was described as "when you need it the most, you get the least" or something like that.

Edited by - cat1951 on 05/14/2007 07:47:57

jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2007 : 12:26:29

I've got the same set-up you describe. When tuning the rig, I set the split back stay adjusting assembly about 1/3 down from the top and then tune the rig accordingly using the turnbuckle - I've also got a fixed roller furling. This process allows me to really back off the tension if necessary and naturally tighten as well.

I am compelled to add that Catalina Direct has been slipping a bit lately. I've received damaged parts, their projected delivery dates have been off by a full month... It seems they aren't paying attention to all the details - are you certain they sent you the correct part?

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.