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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Backstay Adjuster

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Rollins
1st Mate

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USA
50 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/19/2003 : 22:11:28

On my Cat 25, there is a backstay adjuster that looks a lot like a boom vang that goes from an attachment on the port side of the stern up to the backstay attachment. There is another attachment like it on the starboard side of the stern as well. When I bought the boat, there was also a length of stainless rigging cable with a white vinyl covering, which has stainless eyes on both ends. The PO had attached it to the backstay attachment and the attachment on the stern (patching around the adjuster), and told me that it was for safety in case the line breaks on the adjuster. An O’day owner who had looked at my boat before I bought it stopped by and told me that the cable should go from the starboard attachment to the point where the backstay adjuster attaches to the backstay. But it is too long. This gentleman told me that the backstay adjuster should pull the backstay toward the center of the stern, not to one side.

Can anyone tell me how this is supposed to be rigged? If I buy a block and attach it to the backstay, then attach the vinyl covered cable to the starboard attachment, run it through the block and down to the adjuster; would that work better? Would the cable chafe or get damaged doing it that way with the vinyl covering?

Does anybody have this type of setup? Was it stock from Catalina this way, or has a PO modified it? I have a picture, but don't know how to insert it.

Thanks

Mike

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Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2003 : 09:37:03

Hi Mike,

Here's a link to the factory setup for a backstay adjustor on a C25.
http://www.catalina25-250.org/manbro/pictures/pc18.gif
The whole parts catalog is in the "Brochures" part of this website. Take a look to see if yours looks like this.

It sounds like the "little" wire is some sort of safety backup in case the adjuster breaks. So, logic would indicate that the safety cable should be secured 1) to the backstay above the point where the adjuster starts its pull on the backstay; and 2) at or below the point where the adjuster is secured to the transom.

Finally, there are many ways to rig backstay adjusters. The most common for a 25' boat is probably the factory "lashup" (utilizing a split in the backstay and pulling both sides toward the middle). But, other methods are possible too that only have one attachment point for the backstay. Some single stay setups use hydraulic pumps or mechanical screws. Others simply have a block and tackle rigged. So, you PO might have invented something that worked for him - but was somewhat non-traditional...shall we say. Let us know how you get things sorted out.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2003 : 21:01:47

I have an '87 and perhaps the same attachment arrangement. The cable should, I think, go through the block of the backstay and one end attach to the stern on the starboard side. The other end shpould attach to the backstay adjuster on the portside, so that tension on that side pulls the backstay back straight. There should be no need this way for an emergency safety line since one side of the backstay will remain in place, even if loose, if the vang like adjuster gives way. Does that make sense? The cable with the vinyl is what is tensioned.

Tom

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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.