New Backstay

A forum for discussing boat or trailer repairs or modifications that you have made or are considering.
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Snow Goose
Just Enlisted
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2007 7:43 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland

New Backstay

Post by Snow Goose »

Hi folks, searched the forums but could not find what i was looking for.
Does anyone know the best source for a new 26X back stay on the east coast of Canada.
thanks
Rick
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Tomfoolery
Admiral
Posts: 6135
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2011 7:42 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Rochester, NY '99X BF50 'Tomfoolery'

Re: New Backstay

Post by Tomfoolery »

Well, BWY will sell you one, but if it were me, I'd just make my own. Which I have.

Buy the small swage tool, some 1/8" 1x19 wire rope, a 2-pack of thimbles, 4 Nicropress ovals (copper, NOT aluminium), and go at it. Make up one end, attach it to the chicken head, raise the mast, and determine where the other end should be based on the hardware.

And this is a good time to replace the stay adjuster with a Johnson lever, while you're at it. Makes it easy to raise the mast, make the forestay, then slacken the MRS and snap the Johnson lever home.

Since I'm spending your money. :wink:
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Wind Chime
Captain
Posts: 866
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2007 4:30 pm
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Vancouver, B.C. Canada. 2000-26X, Suzuki-50hp, 8' Walker-Bay tender (with sailkit)
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Re: New Backstay

Post by Wind Chime »

Since we are spending Snow Goose's money .... add an adjustable back-stay.
All you need in addition to the backstay cable is a 4:1 block and tackle.

This inexpensive option has 2 advantages:
1) Easier to pin the forestay when raising the mast.
- release the tension on the backstay (allowing the mast raising system to bend the mast slightly forward)
- pin the forestay
- then tighten the backstay after the forestay is pinned)
2) Control of mast bend.
- tighten the backstay during higher winds to flatten the top half of mainsail.
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