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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Masthead/Backstay		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts
Initially Posted - 04/06/2003 :  13:50:40  Show Profile
We had some discussion recently regarding any movement of the masthead when the backstay is tensioned.
I experimented today. Used the main halyard as a plumb bob and with the vang and backstay completely off, the halyard was 6 1/2" aft of the front of the mast at boom level. Cranking down on the backstay and boom vang did not move the bob any further away from the mast. After some thought and watching carefully, it is apparent that when the backstay is fully tensioned, the forward lowers being snug and the aft lowers being loose allow the mid-mast to bend (convex forward) and thus flatten and depower the mainsail.
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"
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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts
Response Posted - 04/06/2003 :  14:36:59  Show Profile
Thanks for the research Derek. Makes me feel better about spending the big bucks for the Catalina Direct adjustable backstay kit. I know that when I did tension mine the weatherhelm did decrease.

I have also seen it written that by increasing the backstay tension you will also increase the forestay tension and thus have less sag and then move the draft forward on your jib. Do you agree with that?

Maybe your research will get you a trip to Stockholm next year.

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR
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luckystar
Navigator

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USA
236 Posts
Response Posted - 04/06/2003 :  15:49:49  Show Profile  Visit luckystar's Homepage
I can't imagine not having the backstay adjuster. Mine came with it, but on my lake, the winds shift and often gust in wide ranges, so having that ability to "tune" my rig to the immediate conditions is great! I think I'm going to get the outhaul on the boom set up to adjust as well for the same sort of control under wind conditions. I'm about due to replace rigging and have been putting it off, when I do, you can bet I'll continue to use split backstay and adjuster!!

Patrick Burnett, Little Rock, AR
S/V Lucky Star #2707 1982 SK/SR
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RoofRoof
Navigator

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USA
186 Posts
Response Posted - 04/07/2003 :  12:02:05  Show Profile
I have the adjustable backstay, but have never used it. I've read that you tension the adjuster when sailing close to the wind. Is this correct? I'll have to give it a try.
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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3324 Posts
Response Posted - 04/07/2003 :  16:14:19  Show Profile
R-R - I only tension the backstay adjuster when overpowered. The rest of the time it remains loosey-goosey. With the shifty and gusty winds on Canyon Lake we are constantly adjusting sail trim. Our "order of change" is 1. halyards tensioned 2. cunningham full on 3. outhaul full on 4. traveler eased 5. backstay on 6. mainsheet eased.
In what order do others do these?
Patrick - I have an 8-to-1 purchase on my outhaul (set up on the outside of the boom), it makes it possible to adjust even in the heaviest air.
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.