Is it possible to over tension my backstay?

[robert sailor]

I forgot to mention in my last comment that when your at the headstay put your butt in the bow pulpit and line your eye with the headstay and the mast that way you can tell very easily if when the headstay is no longer getting straighter, hope this makes sense.

[daddle]

As I tried to point out above, headstay sag is not the important thing. Sail shape is the important thing. That and not breaking the boat. If the sail cannot be flattened with the maximum backstay load the sail need to be recut or replaced.

And...masthead masts can bend to flatten the main just fine. This one will easily go to several diameters. Just depends on the design, and not too heavy of a spar. The typical heavy cruiser mast will not bend much, though. Maybe half a diameter before head door cannot be opened.

[robert sailor]

Typically you will be able to flatten out the top part of the main with backstay and if you have single lowers with a baby stay it will be much more effective in flattening out even more of the sail although personally I prefer double lowers on cruising boats. Keep in mind that this type of sail control is used on race boats for the most part. Remember that when your well off the wind a deeper sail is often more powerful.

[sailr69]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Only on a fractional rig.

The Hylas 46 is a masthead rig.

forward mast bend on a frac, not

[sailr69]

Originally Posted by jackdale

Only on a fractional rig.

The Hylas 46 is a masthead rig.

not too many racers here, or sailmakers

[Capt.Alex]

All very good comments. I think I will talk to the PO about his experience with it. I have a nice long sail next week to play with it. 200+ miles from Ft lauderdale home to St. Augustine. I think I will be gentle with the backstay adjustment on the maiden voyage. I wouldn't want to break anything just yet. A rigger will be needed for another project so I will get some professional advice as well.

[rgscpat]

Got a tension gauge and any guidance from builder or a sailmaker? And, too much tension can hurt performance probably before it hurts the boat.