Back stay head bangers

Set2sea · March 26, 2014, 08:09:44 AM

Okay last year was my first year with my C34. Well I can't tell you how many times I would hit my head on the back stay splits. Last night I was aboard and hit with my ski hat on and it didn't hurt. So of course the light went off - I need to cover these bad Larrys with something soft so I don't have a scrapped up head all summer! Wondering how many folks have done this and with what? I'm thinking something in the 3/4" diameter size?

Roc · March 26, 2014, 08:58:26 AM

I have shroud covers on mine. Not so much because I whack them with my head, but they look nicer (and if you do hit your head, I would think these are not so rough as bare wire)..You could get the largest diameter available, so they would "roll" if you come in contact.

http://www.westmarine.com/davis-instruments--snap-on-cable-covers--P002_065_007_002

patrice · March 26, 2014, 09:43:12 AM

HI,
Me too, I'm very annoyed by these.
I keep thinking putting the foam insulation tube you can buy at the hardware store.

Rick Allen · March 26, 2014, 10:19:28 AM

I used to hate that. Most 34 owners I know and including myself, have had the backstay split raised to about 15 to 20 feet off the deck. Hitting your head becomes a non-issue.

Roc · March 26, 2014, 12:58:07 PM

When under sail, I like the backstays where they are. I grab onto them for balance as I move around the pedestal.

lazybone · March 26, 2014, 01:31:08 PM

I've never hit my head on the backstay.

I'm going to have to try that.

(is this something that depends on how tall you are?)

Ralph Masters · March 26, 2014, 01:44:37 PM

Lazy,
I'm 5'5" and have no trouble hitting them, and the darn dodger too. Right at hair line hight.

Ralph

Ron Hill · March 26, 2014, 02:10:07 PM

Paul : It sounds like you do not have a Bimini.
If you have one and it's popped out you'll never hit you head on the joint of the split back stay!!

A thought

lazybone · March 26, 2014, 03:22:46 PM

The Backstay Headbangers

I like that. The next time I start a heavy metal band I'm going to name it that.

hump180 · March 26, 2014, 04:11:47 PM

I found a simple fix...raise the split in the backstay. We had rigging only make us a new set of backstay legs with the split 4 feet higher.

patrice · March 27, 2014, 05:19:46 AM

HI,

Yes I know that best solution is to raise it.
But involve more boat money. Have two new lower and top to get cut and redo hardware.

You get to hit the backstay if you have the MKI and use the dinghy a lot, cause have to go on top of the seat standing up. We are at the mooring, so get in by the back all the time and during our short summer, we go swimming a lot. That give you lot of chance to get intimate with the backstay.

Set2sea · March 27, 2014, 06:35:01 AM

Quote from: lazybone on March 26, 2014, 03:22:46 PM
The Backstay Headbangers

I like that. The next time I start a heavy metal band I'm going to name it that.

That would be a great band name!

Set2sea · March 27, 2014, 06:51:58 AM

Thanks all for the input.
Ron, I do not have Bimini canvas. I have the bars, but no canvas to be found when I took purchase.
I seem to hit my head when I go to get in the aft Laz.
Like Patrice said, I can't add any more dough to this years fit out list in getting a new back stay, maybe down the road a bit. The nice thing about having the split where it is, the turn buckle made a great place to bolt my 2 X 6 for the winter cover ridge beam. Also as mentioned, they do make a good grab under sail.
Anyhoo, I guess I will cover them. I think the stay covers somebody linked will keep the head scraps from happening. I am a little follicly challenged so there is no natural cushioning going on up there!
Thanks all

stevewitt1 · March 27, 2014, 11:15:57 AM

SD Diver

Thank You!!! I was beginning to think I'm the only one that hit's the Dodger! Two seasons and I'm gradually reducing the frequency so we'll see how it goes this summer. It can't be that different than the dodger I had on my Allmand 31 but my head sure finds this one!

Steve

Alcohol does not solve any problems but then neither does milk.

Visit us at www.ocontoyachtclub.com and www.warbirdsix.com

Clay Greene · March 27, 2014, 01:15:45 PM

My wife made something like these out of the foam pipe insulation covered with Sunbrella:

http://www.boatlinks.com/link.asp?ObjectID=13091

I think the company in the advertisement is out of business (probably people could make something similar to their product out of foam pipe insulation covered with Sunbrella). Used to see them advertised in the Mainsheet.