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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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New backstay / thanks guys

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/03/2009 : 14:39:09

I just finished modifying my split adjustable backstay to a single cable to the starboard connection. I want to thank those who pioneered not only the idea and parts list, but for creating the longest thread in association history. Lots of reading there.

Hear are some notes that may help those who are looking to add this mod.

For those thinking about doing this and those who have concerns about this mod and whether they can do it or not, it was very straight forward and easy to do. The Stay-loc swag connector is very easy to install. I was concerned about getting the right cable length to work with the turnbuckle. I attached one end to the starboard mount and held up the cable to the turnbuckle and using the stay-loc connector held to the end, marked the cable ffor the cut. I turned the turnbuckle almost all the way out to allow for the slack in the cable and when all was put together it turned in about halfway - perfect.

I measured the approximate tension on the original rig when tightened with a Loos meter and it was about 30 marks. I tightened the finished cable to just below this number.

I was surprised how stable the mast is without a backstay. The swept back spreaders with uppers and lowers make for a very stable platform. I used my main halyard to the starboard connection on the transom and tightened it with the winch to what I felt was similar tension as the original. Then I measured the new cable. I did not have a dremil cutting tool so I taped the cable and used a fine hacksaw blade. It worked just fine. I practiced on the loose end first and it worked just fine. Go slow and pull in one direction if it gets caught up. Ended with a very clean cut.

I can't tell you how open and nice this mod feels. No more twisting to get the cooler on-board or tripping and catching on the cable. As the thread eludes to, it's like getting a convertible. It feels so much more open and larger.

Thanks guys

Turk

www.turk.mysailboatblog.com
2003 C250 WK #663
Northeast Ohio
Mosquito Lake/Lake Erie

Edited by - on

Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 15:10:39

Just as advertised! Glad you did it, it's probably the most beneficial mod I have done. Did you pass the cable through the catbird seat frame or installed an eye on the floor like Randy did?

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Turk
Admiral

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USA
736 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 15:45:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Steve Blackburn
 Just as advertised! Glad you did it, it's probably the most beneficial mod I have done. Did you pass the cable through the catbird seat frame or installed an eye on the floor like Randy did?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I went on the outside of the catbird seat to the original connection. Keeps the wire away from the legs!

After making the mod, I don't think there is much strain on the cable as most would think. It is a big cable and is being pulled forward but hardly being overwhelmed by the force. Forces applied to the seat are minimal.

Your are right, one of the best mods yet.

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 16:56:54

yes great mod ...love it !!

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Steve Blackburn
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
1091 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 20:44:26

Before I put in an eye on the floor like Randy did, I'm going to try routing the cable just outside the catbird seats like you did. I recall that the problem was minimal with my leg touching the cable, but with it outside there will be no problem. It will ony move about 1 inch to port meaning that I will NOT have to redo my bimini zippers. Thanks Turk you just made my day, it sounds simple but I didn't even think of rerouting the cable!

That's going to be a hard mod to beat. We really should have a Top mod of the year award for every category Capri/25/250. "528" who posted this orginaly wins for 2009 for the C250. I thought I had a chance with my catbird seat as a toilet conversion but that didn't seem to catch on much. This year I will be working on a new hull mounted porthole located underneath the bow to make it easier to see if my anchor is well set, hope I win!

Edited by - Steve Blackburn on 04/03/2009 20:57:11

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 04/03/2009 : 21:39:34

We've been happy with the eye on the sole connection. It is not in the way of using the ladder but then we do not go swimming off the boat. We only use the ladder when we cruise and need to get to the dink. I was swayed by two things. One, I just don't like the idea of the stay not being fair (even though it doesn't cause a problem) and, two, Catalina chose to move the connection to the sole. I figure they know more about boats than me.

From the reports of those that have connected to the catbird seat or through the catbird seat it sounds like those locations also work very well - helped, no doubt, by the fact that there is not much load on the backstay anyway.

At the end of this season I am going to have riggingonly.com make me up a new backstay with the turnbuckle at the bottom. Having the original turnbuckle up about 6' off the sole is workable but not ideal.

This is a great mod and makes maneuvering around the back of the boat much easier. For a boat with wheel steering this mod is a must.

Edited by - Nautiduck on 04/03/2009 21:42:06

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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.