Double ended backstay controls

[fleck]

Looking for a good layout/design for double ended backstay controls. Any suggestions?

[Tim Bosma]

Bob,
We use a 4:1 double ended setupon Hot Tamale (#477). I'll try to go through the rig in a sane way, but if you have further questions, contact me. We have a ring with 4 blocks on it, 2 are wire blocks that run on the split backstay, the other 2 are Harken singles (I can get the size on my next visit). At the port end of the transom we have 2 more Harken singles and at the starboard end of the transom we have a single Harken single. About a meter forward from the transom we have a Harken cheek block on both port and starboard. Above the cheek blocks we have cam cleats on each side. The cheeck and cam cleats are about 8 inches aft of the traveler controls. Now for the line. Starting with the starboard bitter end I will follow the line through the rig to the port bitter end. Down through the starboard cam cleat, stb cheek block, over to the stb transom block, up to the ring block 1, down to port transom block 1, up to the ring block 2, down to port transom block 2, over to port cheek block, and up through the port cam cleat. (Whew!!) Put a stopper knot in each end so you only have to run it once a season.
We originally had a 6:1 setup but reduced it to 4:1 since we are still somewhat strong and adjustments are faster at 4:1. The 4:1 requires about 40' of line.
Good Luck

[fleck]

Tim,

Thanks, just a few more questions:

What size and type line are you using?

Are you mounting the blocks on the transom inside or outside the backstay tangs? How did you mount the block to the transom?

Is the turning block and cleat mounted on the back of the seat like the traveler controls? If so do they get in the way when opening the lazerette?

Thanks

[Tim Bosma]

Bob,
I'll do some measuring over the weekend for line size and the exact locations on the transom and cockpit sides for the block locations. I think the line is Sta-setX but more important is low stretch and the right color so as not to confuse with the traveler. I think the cheek block and cam cleat are ahead of the lazarette and we often use the line to hold the lids up (undocumented feature), but I'll check it.
Thanks,

[Dave Grover 138]

The factory supplied six to one tackle is similar to the 4 to 1 described. It goes, from a cleat aft of the traveler cleat, down to a cheek turning block, aft to a small Harken block next to the tang for the backstay split, up to a block on the ring which has the two blocks that ride on the backstay split, down to a second small block next to or above the block at the backstay tang, up again to a second block on the ring, down to a block near the backstay tang on the other side of the transom, up to a third block on the ring. down to a second block near the backstay tang, forward to a turning block below a cleat aft of the traveler cleat.

A diagram would be easier. Email me for a diagram if you want at dgrover@wayne.edu.