Spectra backstay

[Tom Line]

I had some requests about my backstay, so I uploaded some pictures to my host site.

All the blocks are harken, and the kicker is orange fiberglass batten that West Marine sells cheap off the shelf. (I tapered and beveled it with a table saw and a hand sander).

Many people have purchased the batten that the melges 24 uses - you can do that from the melges website and I believe Layline may have them as well. I purchased the line from layline.

I used 1/4" stainless rivets (the same size I use to attach all the mast hardware) to attach the batten to the mast, with large washers to spread the load.

I had my local rigger add thimbles to the spectra because it doesn't chafe well.

Pictures at:
http://xs.to/albums/1147738556103239662068242.html

The primary turning block that is connected directly to the backstay isn't shown. It would normally be where the mast is in the "right picture". Also, on the left picture, normally the line would go to a shackle on the port tang, but I tie it to cleat so I can use the backstay to hold the mast down when we're moving the boat.

To describe this a different way, the line that goes to the cleat in the left side picture is normally led through the primary backstay block (the one connected directly to the back stay) and then hooked to the shackle shown on the tang at the stern of the boat in the same picture.

I hope this helps. It's pretty difficult to describe it all in words.

[Tim Bosma]

Tom,
Thanks for that. We have also replaced our backstay this year and I created an excel file that details the bill of materials and the construction steps. I will send that to any one who requests since I don't know how to load it to this site.
Thanks,

[Fred Chadsey]

I've installed spectra back stay (Layline) and the cascades keep on twisting and makes it difficult use effectively. Has anyone else had problem and how do I solve the twisting. Note I've unravled it several times and it reoccurs. Help !!

[Tom Line]

You'll need to put swivels on the blocks that are twisting to prevent it.

[Tim Bosma]

Fred,
Swivels on the blocks will help, but the reason it is twisting in the first place is that the lines aren't able to pass their twist over the block. I'm hope I'm saying this right, as the tackle is drawn, each line has a natural twist that has to pass through the block while the line does. If the line is too tight in the sheave, the twist will not be able to follow with the line. Try going to a larger diameter or a wider sheave. Also, is your cascade always under tension, or can you go to full slack? I have ours rigged to go to full slack and this allows the line to resettle any twist it may have created.