davidf
11-21-2006, 12:05 am
I picked up a boatload of good parts. Dismantled a completely rotted Y-Flyer that had all sorts of good Harken and Shaffer blocks. So one of the things I have been wanting to do is install an adjustable backstay on my '76 Catalina 22. I already have the eyebolts in place on port & starboard. I will replace the old single backstay with new cable. The mast is old-style bendy mast. I have a set of small triple blocks with cleat to use as the adjuster. I'm 200 miles away from the nearest West Marine or any thing like that but will be near one over the holidays. And I don't have an opportunity to go out to the boat and make measurements before I go. My questions are: 1> How long should the backstay part be? I imagine I'll want it a foot or two longer than where the pigtail's at on my current stay. 2> Is it better to use a short cable thru a wire block or to just run line for the whole adjuster part? I'm not much of a racer so the idea is more for ease in stepping the mast and some adjustability. Any suggestions will be appreciated. David