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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Changing split back stays to single

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Albanker
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/30/2023 : 08:45:12

1 have a WK 2001 250 with split back stays. 1 side is adjustable but frankly don�t see a need.
Could I just use one side and switch to a single backstay? My anchors are on either side of the stern�.could provide pic�.. double back stays are a pain getting behind the wheel
Thanks
Al Covington

RPLieser
1st Mate

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USA
70 Posts

Response Posted - 10/30/2023 : 12:00:40

My 2008WK has a factory single, on the port side, anchored on the deck, just ahead of the boarding ladder. A huge improvement over my 250WB with the split.

Patrick Lieser

C250WK #973
Knot My Fault III
Avila Beach, CA

(PO of C250WB #312)

ismaelboat
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2024 : 07:51:22

No one answer ! Is there any ideas ? Even splitting differently to get better access to the helm ? Thanks in advance

french sailor catalina 250 in Bay area

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5882 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2024 : 07:46:35

The benefit of an adjustable backstay is that, if the rig is tuned correctly, it enables you to change the tuning of the rig instantly from a taut rig to a loose rig. A loose rig is more powerful. If you ease the backstay adjuster in light air or when sailing off the wind, it will loosen the rig and your speed will increase.

That being said, it's your boat and you can modify it as you see fit to make it more suitable for your use. If you change it to a single backstay, I suggest you rig the backstay the same way that the factory rigs a single backstay. If you attach the backstay in the places where the factory attaches them, you can trust that the boat is adequately reinforced at those points to bear the loads.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2024 : 14:49:54

I am not sure how an adjustable rig would work on a C250. Because the rig is not orthogonal, and has no forward lowers, any change in tension can have unexpected effects on the rest of the rig. It's much more complicated than traditional orthogonal rigs. For that reason, I've always thought that the C250 should be tuned to one tension for use in all conditions.

There's a temptation to think the backstay is redundant, since Hunters with a B&R rig work with NO backstay, but the sweep-back of the C250's spreaders is not nearly enough to function without a backstay. (C250 is NOT a B&R rig, and not even a "modified B&R rig".) With the C250's lower spreader sweep angle, a sudden gust in a DDW run might over-tension the lowers and cause damage to the chainplates or the deck.

Rick S., Swarthmore, PA
PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor)
New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5882 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2024 : 15:09:37

The C250 has a masthead rig. A backstay adjuster on a masthead rig doesn't bend the mast to pull the draft of the mainsail forward, as it does on a boat with a fractional rig. It simply induces a little forestay sag, which powers up the rig for sailing in light air and off the wind.

People tend to think that the purpose of a backstay adjuster is to help the boat stay on its feet in stronger winds, but that's only true for fractional rigs. On masthead rigs, the purpose of a backstay adjuster is to power up the jib in light air and going downwind. It doesn't help the boat at all going to windward.

Steve Milby J/24 "Captiva Wind"
previously C&C 35, Cal 25, C25 TR/FK, C22
Past Commodore

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

2272 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2024 : 10:54:53

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Milby

The C250 has a masthead rig. A backstay adjuster on a masthead rig doesn't bend the mast to pull the draft of the mainsail forward, as it does on a boat with a fractional rig. It simply induces a little forestay sag, which powers up the rig for sailing in light air and off the wind.

People tend to think that the purpose of a backstay adjuster is to help the boat stay on its feet in stronger winds, but that's only true for fractional rigs. On masthead rigs, the purpose of a backstay adjuster is to power up the jib in light air and going downwind. It doesn't help the boat at all going to windward.

Your are correct, but you left out the reason for my concern: Mast bend on the C250 is induced by tightening the uppers enough to put compression on the swept-back spreaders. The upper stay functions much like a guitar string, so it is quite taut. Loosening the backstay and inducing sag in the forestay causes the masthead to move forward, and that motion could quite easily over-tension the uppers and lead to damage to the chainplates, cabin top, or the upper stays.