Rear Stay Adjusters

[Jkar]

Anyone use the Harken line of backstay adjusters?  The B501/503  
doesn't require modifying the split or the rearstay itself, simply add a block to the bottom of the rearstay and replace the split with a flexible wire of sufficient strength and attach the adjuster??? It is then operated with a standard winch handle.  Harken claims it is easy and neat.  I am looking for real world advice before I shell out the cash.  Thanks, Joel

[Ted Pounds]

Joel,

I don't think it's worth it.  I find the tackle rig is simple and easy to operate.  The helmsman can operate it quickly by himself and there's no chance of dropping a winch handle over the side.  Also with our fat, stiff masts you're not going to be doing much flexing of the rig, just putting a bit more tension on the forestay.  

Ted

[burner]

Ron, I'd like to see your back stay adjuster, but I'm just too dense to find it in the projects.  I've found several of your other projects, just not that one.  Can you help a bumbler out?
Thanks

[Tom P, IMPULSE #233, '86]

Joel,

If you intend on using the backstay adjuster for serious racing, I wouldn't recommend using this unit...

I had a similiar design on my last boat (30 footer), that used a horizontal "wheel" instead of a winch handle...The problem we had was it took too long to adjust; took alot of effort and time to mess with while on the race course---you would be amazed at how many turns is required to loosen the backstay just a little bit (they typically use fine threads within these units)...

After awhile, we got frustrated with it and resorted to adjusting it to the conditions before the race and wouldn't touch it during the race; unless it was a really long downwind run (several miles)...On the shorter race courses we found it easier to ease the genoa halyard slightly to get better genoa shape---not as effective as a backstay adjuster, but better than doing nothing...

On my '86 C34 (current boat), I've got the block and tackle on a split stay---5:1 purchase with sheeves that pull the split stays towards the centerline...This setup seems to work very well; can be adjusted quickly and easily...

Other than block and tackle, The only other type of stay adjuster I'd consider is a hydraulic unit.  They are fast to adjust, but are also very expensive and require regular maintenance...I'd also worry about someone accidentally over trimming and causing damage to the boat; something I think would be near impossible to do with a block and tackle setup...

And keep in mind what the other posts have said; your object is not to bend the mast, just control forestay tension...

Hope this helps,
Tom

[SteveLyle]

of Ron's backstay adjuster from the project page.


Ron's Project Page