Spectra Backstay

LarryE-old · Post by **LarryE-old** » Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:33 pm

Tried the search and wasn't working.

Need to replace my spectra backstay. What is the best material to use,what is everyone using, and best place to order from?

Thanks,

orion27 · Post by **orion27** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:04 pm

Look here for Validator 12
http://www.samsonrope.com/index.cfm?ind ... =93&inst=1

Post by **Tim Bosma** » Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:50 pm

Larry,
We use New England Ropes V12. I have an excel file that has all the particulars of ours, e-mail me and I will send it to you

Post by **Tom Elsen** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:17 pm

Larry -

Thanks for reminding us that all of these lines photodegrade. It's cheap insurance to replace the backstay lines once every two years. Way cheap compared to a new rig.

FYI, the Layline guys have always provided great service and first-rate product advice as far as I'm concerned.

LarryE-old · Post by **LarryE-old** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 8:13 pm

Tom,
Just realized mine is over 2 years old. Not good for out in the Fl. sun 12 months of the year. Had one break already, time to replace.
Thanks,

orion27 · Post by **orion27** » Wed Jun 11, 2008 9:48 pm

Pictures materials list here: http://eastcoastyachtclub.net/

Misfit 511

Tom Line · Post by **Tom Line** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:11 pm

On another note regarding the backstays - the melges batten I am using virtually blew up going upwind yesterday in a stiff breeze.

There was no warning other than a loud crack, followed by my bow-guy pointing upward as it happily slid down the backstay.

So I'm guessing we get about 3 years out of the battens before they break on you. Might want to take a look if you were one of the "early" adopters of the cascade backstay like I was.

LarryE-old · Post by **LarryE-old** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:10 pm

Received the new backstay from Layline today.
Will check the batten when I install the backstay.
Thanks for the advise.

Post by **Tom Elsen** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:33 pm

Just a suggestion - coat the batten with some tough spray paint. That should decrease the UV penetration.

Tom Line · Post by **Tom Line** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:33 am

The fracture occurred right where I had drilled a hole in the batten to rivet it to the mast.

Instead of through rivetting the next one, I am going to use a U-bolt over the top of the batten, or something similar.

Anyone know how the melges attach theirs?

I'm chalking this failure up to my fault for concentrating the stresses in that one location.

dave · Post by **dave** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:48 pm

One more reason to go with the solid, round batten. The things are very stiff for their diameter and almost bullet proof.

Post by **Tom Elsen** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 6:53 pm

If you don't want to drill any more holes in the top of your mast, get a piece of aluminum 'channel' just wide enough to set the batten in. Cut about an 8" length and mount it (with the batten on top, in the channel) such that the aluminum piece overhangs the mast crane by about 5". That will both separate the fulcrum point from the mounting hole in the batten, and provide some lateral stability during tacks and jibes with the backstay 'on'.

kidsail · Post by **kidsail** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 12:02 pm

Another trick is to wrap a layer or two of glass around the batten and cover with epoxy, then drill your mounting holes, same at the other end.
Paul

S2 7.9 Meter Class Association

Spectra Backstay

Spectra Backstay

Backstay

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