Spectra Backstay specs/parts/list?

Please see the post RE new 7.9 masts

Moderators: Tim Bosma, Tom Elsen

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reidmefirst
Posts: 86
Joined: Wed Jun 03, 2020 2:49 am

Spectra Backstay specs/parts/list?

Post by reidmefirst »

I'm getting a new mainsail which is the full class size. I was forewarned that the large roach profile is likely to hang up on the backstay, so figured I would start getting ready to replace my backstay with a spectra + a flicker. I wonder if anyone has the old materials list for this? Reading up on it, it sounds like there is a good recommended parts list floating around that keeps that weight down so that the backstay is held well away from the leech and prevents the battens from hanging up...

I saw that Tim Bosma used to have a website which hosted all kinds of info like this, but the site has been down a while and archive.org isn't a help. The original files used to be hosted on the Hot Tamale Racing 'Links' page (see the archived copy at https://web.archive.org/web/20190427192 ... /links.php ). Unfortunately none of the excel files on that page, were preserved...it would be sweet to host those files somewhere if anyone has a copy. If you could kindly search your hard drive for 'backstay.xls' that would be handy and helpful =).

I did try emailing Tim a bit ago but his domains expired and the emails bounced, I hope he's okay!
MnM20
Posts: 45
Joined: Wed Aug 09, 2017 10:18 am
Location: Chicago, IL

Re: Spectra Backstay specs/parts/list?

Post by MnM20 »

Here's how I did mine:

I think I bought 45' of V12 3/16

I then added a brummel lock splice and a stainless thimble.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5 ... UTF8&psc=1

I didn't finish the backstay until I got the rig up so i could be happy how it ended up.

Once the rig was up, I determined the height that i wanted my cascade to be at. For the cascade I used an anti-friction ring (lighter - Plus if it fails it fails to the brummel splice on the outside of the ring.

My purchase is 6:1 with a pair of Harken 228s and two 224s to complete the line routing.

Photos of my setup:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JHkA8gz4e2RzEvZR6
"Maiden Michigan" S2 7.9 #20
Pete
Posts: 122
Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2005 4:52 pm
Location: Kingsville, Ontario, Can.

Re: Spectra Backstay specs/parts/list?

Post by Pete »

Hello. I bought my dyneema on Amazon.
Just search "dyneema". It'll come back with many choices of diameters and lengths. Sold for winch lines on Jeeps and such. Dirt cheap compared to "marine" applications. Can't remember now how many years it's been in use. My flicker is dollar store fiberglass driveway edge marker shaft.
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