Hello,

Does anyone believe that by going to a split backstay thus eliminating the boomkin can create a more reliable and more tunable rig?

I'm thinking of holding up my SS stern boomkin with rigid SS tubing,  so my Cape Horn wind vane and propane tanks can live there.  Making it not involved in holding mast up.

The actual load of the backstay can go to port and starboard quarters of hull,  most likely hayn mod fittings,   delta plate,  and a large turnbuckle in line with long backstay leg.   I know I must shorten boom. 

Input I seek is,   does anyone have strong opinions for or against split backstay approach?   The boomkin seems like a high liability rig component,  potential for corrosion and failure seems greater than a split backstay. 

Thank you all for any input and advice, 

Mike Benson

I have done this, and can say I like it! I used Bud's lower stay chain plates and a teak wedge under them (clear cap rail). very very simple.

see Hawaii 2007   I went all the way with twin stays (the good is, they are independent all the way, the bad is, extra weight up high. This is the love hate thing.

A sail loft can re-cut the main down (mine has a 14' foot) I have not found any loss in performance, but there should be some, I just was not able to measure it.

as for tuning I have a tension gauge  http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/LO-90.htm  (shop around this seams high?) and after aligning the stick I tighten them to match. (works great, and if you want to look at it with one wire lost, just lossen the other all the way (you could sail with just one (Hunter has a boat that has the back offset like this) but on one tack there is extra load on the top stay opposite side)

Buds split setup will save some weigh up high! but you are back to just one wire to the top. 

I do like My setup = no issues sailing (Just be sure your topping lift line has a self tightening device (Bungy line). But please note; I still don't like the extra weight up high, but it comes with the independent stays.

Fair winds:

Norm

p.s. I removed the boomkin as it allows the vane to be closer to the rudder+/- and it  reduces the overall length, and removes extra weight off the back end of the boat. I also recommend any good weight reduction on the bow; like trim and router the platform, and move the chain down to the mast base when possible.

Mike,

Because of the low aspect ratio nature to our boats and rigs, the only cost in your performance will likely be off the wind in lighter conditions.  Personally, I do like the boomkin because it preserves the classic design.  Opinions abound, unless you do a full independent split, you will have the same number of rigging components in the Bud stay set-up. 

However I agree with you.  I thought about how and where I intend to sail and I dreaded the thought of standing in the companionway looking aft and saying, "ewww ... yeah, I really hope that holds."  So, I drew them up and made them out of rectangular tube 316L to the same pattern of the wooden ones, and painted them (Interlux Perfection).  They look really great, preserve the aesthetics, and preserve classic design.  It is a very nice piece to hang the windvane from too as there is very little give to them.  These I can trust.

Best,

T.