Help on No-Backstay Rig !

[JuanCH]

Hi all, my 25 footer has a no backstay rig, two pairs of spreaders pointing backwards. I was told that the shrouds should be tightened to its maximium to ensure that the mast doesnt come off. Any ideas??? How should I trim my mainsail when I want beat? Should I put the traveler car in the middle or a little bit to weather?
Thanks all!!!

[Dame.n.Jess]

The shrouds should be tight enough to keep the mast directly upright from the deck but not so tight that the leeward shrouds are bar tight when sailing upwind in 20 knots or more.

As for the traveller position most keel-boats position the cars around the centreline (this changes with EVERY boat but is a good place to start). the best way to check main verse jib trim is to follow your boat in a dinghy (if you can) and match the leech twist in your main with the leech twist in the jib. Set your jib first then alter the main.

[boatman61]

What make of boat is it... some have a rake... some don't... is it masthead or fraction rig.... all info possible helps with the answers..

[Liquorice]

To tension your rig you need a "Loos Gauge" and a "system". Just tightening them up 'til they "feel"right isn't good enough.
To beat to windward, or anywhere down around a broad reach, you need tel-tales on your mainsail leech and your jib luff. There is no "cookie cutter" method to sail trim, each boat and set of conditions are different and change often. Invest in a loos gauge and a weekend sail trim course. You won't believe how much better your boat sails.
...and if you've got the cash, new sails are the best investment you will ever make in your boat!
sam ~~/)*~~~~

[bewitched]

Its a Laser Radial?

Take a look at their class association or owners association.

I'm sure you'll find a host of info about rig tuning for different conditions.

And probably lots of info on how to sail the boat.

That's the beauty of owning one designs - someones already figured it all out

good luck

[s/v Moondancer]

I sailed a rotating mast without backstays for 4 yrs and 6,000 miles...The spare halyard was always set to aft and windward as a back-up to the single aft stay.

[Captain Grandpa]

An old thread but it relates. I just think my boat has no backstay. Is/was this common in smaller boats? Is it a factor I need to be concerned with? *tries not to look too ignorant* no backstay isn't a problem when running?

[Captain Grandpa]

I think my boat... Not I just think. /shrug

[Jim Cate]

If your boat is the Islander Bahama 24 it did have a backstay when designed and built. IIRC it was a simple single spreader masthead rig like most of the production boats of its size and era. So, I believe that you do indeed need one.

Cheers,

Jim

[Captain Grandpa]

It is indeed the islander bahama. I do have just the one set of spreaders. (nice to know I'm not missing a set. I didn't see anywhere aft where I would attach it. *ponders*. Hopefully it's one of the many pieces I'm cleaning. Would it be permenantly affixed to the boat or could it be removed? I have five stays (the actual braided wire) I thought that was an odd number. I then imagined upper and lower shrouds with no back stay. The only information I can find is sailboat data.com and it sure appears to have a back stay there. *starts grumbling* I knew I didn't want a project boat.
Thanks again for the help!

[Captain Grandpa]

I do indeed have a back stay. It would appear my back stay comes down then y's and attaches at two spots rather than at one spot in the center

[btrayfors]

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=384

Click on the drawing.

Google is your friend. Lots of info available on the Islander yachts.

Bill