Adjustable Backstay

[Ed Ekers]

I am looking to rig an adjustable backstay on Pathfinder. Is there anyone who contributes to this board that has changed the rigging to accommodate this change. I currently have an adjustable turn buckle which works fine, but I would like to be able to adjust the backstay tension while on the run without having to go to the stern and spend time cranking. Any ideas.........Thanks.........ed

[Bill]

Took photos of one adjustable backstay arrangement on our dock.  I'm considering a similar arrangement for MAIKA'I.  There is only one turnbuckle and it uses a low tech adjuster -  block and tackle.  My old boom vang will work just fine.

[Bill]

And the upper end . . .

[ebb]

Just asking here-
Wouldn't it be better to have the turnbuckle(s) on  one or both sides off the plates?:confused:

[Bill]

Good question -- no good answer:)   Saw both alternatives on other boats, but as I recall, some/all did not have adjusters.  This weekend I'll try to get some more phots.  (Removing the boom so we can have the rig shop replace the internal rope-to-wire outhaul halyard.)

[Bill]

Returning to the scene of the backstay adjusters Saturday,  I found only one setup where there were two turnbuckles used.  And, all but one of the single turnbuckle setups attached the turnbuckle ABOVE the split of backstay cable.  The following posts are some examples (can?t seem to find the photos of two odd setups . . .)

[Bill]

Another single

[Bill]

And another single

[Bill]

Some more . .

[Bill]

Still more . . .

[Bill]

How about some hydrolics?  Great way to adjust the backstay -- for a price!$!

[Bill]

This is an even more impressive hydrolic adjuster setup.  Check the index . .

[Bill]

For our final offering, here is the backstay adjusting system on one of the flat out racing boats . .

[Bill]

Yeah, I can't figure it out either . .

[ebb]

Have to protest here.  Ekers has gone too far to get back first place.  This is too much of a remodel to an Ariel stern!

With a scupper like that: blondes, booze and backstays will all get washed overboard, if they doesn't get tangled up like that tiller has!