back stay + bimini

[andyman2000]

So I just installed a bimini from blue waters and I quickly realized that it would be pretty difficult to sail with the bimini. The backstay is in the way. I have a 26M and I noticed the factory doesn't install a backstay. Is it needed structurally? I read about the performance aspects of the backstay from my searches in this forum so I suppose I could go either way. My question is who here runs without the backstay?

Also how do you tack with the bimini? Seems like the bikini's are in the way of the mains. Do people lower the bimini below the main sails? Or raise the angle of the boom?

[b i l l]

I sail 26m with no backstay. I had a slanted reef point installed on mainsail ( check my mods on this site)

[kadet]

No back-stay required for a standard read up on B&R rigs.

http://features.boats.com/boat-content/ ... bampr-rig/

My Bimini is designed with a angle at the front so the boom can tack while it is up.

[andyman2000]

thanks thats what I was looking for.

[pmmcderm]

I found that I'm not a good enough sailor for the back stay to make a difference. I run the backstay over the mast arch, then keep it tight with two bungee cords. Added benefit: I put a wind vane on the plate the back stay attaches to - now it stays aligned with the boat when the mast rotates.