No backstay on my 27ft Hunter

[TurboTim]

I just purchased a 1981 Hunter and it ,as far as I know, has no back stay. I dont have the mast now but is this a big deal or does it not matter too much?

[Greenhand]

No mast is a big deal. However, many hunters were designed without backstays, which is why you can't go wing on wing very well.

Check out the original design of your boat. Most can be found online, if all else fails, check sailboatdata.com

PS: Just in case it isn't clear, if your boat was designed with a backstay, then that is crucial equipment. Major resdesigning would be needed to go without.

[TurboTim]

This is my first sailboat so do I have to worry when going downwind wing on wind and what to worry for? Sorry just trying to learn.

[four winds]

What year is your Hunter, Tim?

Let's figure out if you have a traditional backstay or not. The older ones do, the newer ones have a B&R rig with no backstay.

The B&R setup has the spreaders swept well aft to take the loads normally passed through a backstay. For this reason the main can't be released as far forward as normal. Making wing on wing difficult.

[TurboTim]

Mine is actually at 1980.

[four winds]

OK, it appears the 27 had a traditional backstay until 1984.

If I understand your posts, the mast is not stepped (installed) and you are inventory checking the parts and pieces. If so, your backstay is my missing?

HUNTER 27 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

[TurboTim]

Mast is not stepped but it could have a backstay. I am just really trying to learn about the boat and someone said that his hunter doesn't have a backstay but it could have been a smaller size. Good to know that my boat should have a backstay then.

[four winds]

I suspected someone told you it came new without a backstay. Which is of course not true of older Hunters. Yours came with a backstay.

For what it's what worth, it's not about size, to have or not a backstay. For the new Hunters even the very large ones with the B&R rig have no backstay.

Also, be prepared for dock walking know-it-alls to tell you all the faults of Hunter sailboats, even if they have never sat foot on one. Known as Hunter bashing, just smile and sail on.

You have a good first sailboat, hope you get it in the wind soon.

[TurboTim]

Thanks for the info!

[dakno]

I have this same boat. It absolutely came with a split backstay. You will see on each side of the boat on the toe rail within 12 " of the stern a ss hoop just like the ones for the shrouds. This is where the backstay attaches.

Good luck

[30AGuy]

[QUOTE=four winds;1969845]I suspected someone told you it came new without a backstay. Which is of course not true of older Hunters. Yours came with a backstay.

Also, be prepared for dock walking know-it-alls to tell you all the faults of Hunter sailboats, even if they have never sat foot on one. Known as Hunter bashing, just smile and sail on.


TOTALLY Agree with Four Winds. Hunter gives you great bang for the buck. I've had my current 410 for about 10 years and have sailed all over the gulf and the Caribbean with nothing more than normal issues.

As for sailing wing on wing, I don't find it to be a big deal on those rare occasions that the wind and I are going in the same direction. In any case, like everything else, it's just something that you learn and adjust to.

Congrats and good luck with your boat.
PS... Friend of mine has as a 27 Hunter. He absolutely loves it.

[alctel]

That's a great little boat you have there! Make sure to post on the Cherubini Hunters forum, you'll find a wealth of advice there

[Lizzy Belle]

Congrats on your new boat!!

Originally Posted by TurboTim

I just purchased a 1981 Hunter and it ,as far as I know, has no back stay. I dont have the mast now but is this a big deal or does it not matter too much?

Sorry if you already went this route, but I assume the boat had an owner you bought her from
Have you contacted them and asked where the back stay went / is?

[mwells]

Congratulations on the Hunter purchase Tim. I have a Hunter 27 about the same age as yours and it does have a backstay; mine is a 83. I've had mine for two years and other then the normal wear and tear issues its been a great boat. Easy to work on and single handle. More then happy to share some backstay photos or manuals, etc. if you need them.


Mike

[TurboTim]

Yeah any photos would be great. I have no clue how to set it up. I got the boat for $2500 at auction. It was a 1 owner boat so I am guessing he probably died to have owned it for this long. It's super nice though condition wise and has a newer 13.5 hp beta with only 200hrs. I have had a 36ft Trojan and other power boats and this one is nicest quality and taken care of. Very excited to sail around great lakes.