I am afraid I already know the answer on this one but I wanted to check with those that can tell me for sure. In the following pic you can see the backstay over my head. Look carefully and you can see two mechanical connectors. It looks like the backstay broke and someone used the connectors to splice in a 3rd piece and repair. The snaps for holding the boom up are hanging on the higher one.
I plan to replace this unless you all tell me this is as it should be. But, my hope was that we could finish the season (short time left here in Alaska for sure) and fix it with everything else we plan to do up high when the mast comes home for winter.
When blowing up your image (it's pretty low rez), it appears that the crimps are just over a continuous wire. I would expect that the wires would be offset if it were a splice. Of course, with the poor quality picture and due to the perspective of the camera, I could be mistaken.
Welcome aboard and fill in the location section of your profile.
Hamin' X wrote:Looks like simple clamp-ons to allow flying a flag from the backstay. Also, it allows for a handy place to clip the boom lift hook.
~Rich
Wasn't thinking a flag, but that's another possibility.
I was thinking 2 locations for hanging the boom. Maybe the higher one for getting it way up out of the cockpit for entertaining and a lower one for leaving the boat so the boom is more level. Either way, it's not a splice.
My Hunter 30 had a crimped on 6" piece of cable and clip attached to the backstay to keep it from flopping around even though it had a real backstay.
I agree with HaminX. I split the backstay on Freedom and put blocks on to adjust. It works great and you won't hit your tiller on the backstay. Just A thot.
Freedom77 wrote:I agree with HaminX. I split the backstay on Freedom and put blocks on to adjust. It works great and you won't hit your tiller on the backstay. Just A thot.
That is an interesting idea. I hate hitting the tiller constantly on the stay. My wife wants to clear out the entire stern of all the mess as much as possible. Way too crowded back there with the stay, mainsheet system, motor lift block and tackle, etc.
OH BOY! You've just hit on my favorite rant. The standard wishbone mainsheet setup on Ventures is a PITA. Also it is off center which I don't think has any appreciable effect. I installed mid boom mainsheet hardware on both our V-222 and Freedom. Easier to reach, easier to control sail shape, keeps boom from raising and helps flatten main, allows boom to be pulled close to centerline when close hauled and definitely improves performance and pointing to windward, clears some the aforementioned the clutter out of the stern. One of the better mods I made. See Sumner's post on this subject. Mine is similar. I'm too inept to post pics. On the subject of split backstay. I set the deck points just inside the lifeline stanchions and made a triangular plate out of stainless with four holes. Three for the backstay adjuster cables and one for a short cable to hang the boom on. Plate should be placed so that boom is level when hung from short cable. Hope this makes sense. Once again, sorry no pics. Again, welcome to the Legion of the Damned Keep two things open, your mind and your checkbook. Fair winds and full sails...Old Salt.
Our solution is going to be a traveler mounted in front of the companionway. We both prefer that setup and don't mind the obstruction and it can be moved over to one side while on the hook.
On the subject of an adjustable backstay that may be in our later future when I replace standing rigging. I like how you approached it.
We also ditched the end boom sheeting.
I just slapped a bail on the boom, a heavy duty U-bolt thru
the Keel winch board; bought a couple of Gahauer fiddles
and life is better.
Garhauer had a sale last fall on travelers - so I jumped it.
For some reason even used travelers are made of gold.
I'm not going to bother to install it until we can replace
that ancient blown out main sail.
As far as the back stay; ours is always loose.
I've seen someone on the web describe a venture back stay
as"The Boston Strangler". An apt description.
Since the backstay on these boats seems to be of little consequence why couldn't I
just cut it off 6 feet up - put in a swaged loop, hang a simple block from the loop;
and use the former end boom sheet hardware.
I would run a line from one corner of the transom thru the block and to the swivel
cam cleat on the other corner.
Keep two things open, your mind and your checkbook. Fair winds and full sails...Old Salt.
