questions on running backstay and slab reefing set up.

[pyrofly73]

Creekmore 34' cutter

46' deck stepped isomat ng60 mast w/ spreaders at 16' and 31' feet above deck

boom is an isomat nb40

I looked up every post I could find on running backstays, but cannot find answers to what I hope is a simple question...

1.....The spreaders on my mast have cast aluminium bases. These bases have a place for stem ball fittings to go into. In theory I could use stemballs with 1-19 wire for my running backstays, but I would like to stay away from wire for this application if at all possible.

these are the options I have found

* stemball eyes, these seem to be designed to take a fork and a clevis pin. can these be machined somehow to make splicing high tech line directly to them or will this weaken them too much? Something tells me there has to be an easier approach. I also don't think I will be able to get the correct angle with the stem balls as I'm planning to take my runners all the way to the aft corners of the boat through blocks and then to a winch.

* I was looking at the oliver link (http://precourt.ca/) and really like the clean look of this, but seems very undersized for the application.

* splicing directly to the hole where the stemball is supposed to go with some sort of chaffing gear? yikes!!!!

* mast tangs... Is a tang the only way to go? I think they will be completely out of place. on this rig.

Please tell me there is something I've missed on attachment methods.

question # 2....What is the longest lasting line that can be used for the running backstay application? I am in south florida and the sun is brutal down here.

question 3... please look at the picture on this page for reference (http://www.pearsoninfo.net/36-2/isom...fy_reefing.gif)

Against the advice of some I have decided to give this reefing set up a try. I figured that my boom was designed this way and I can always go external if I'm not happy with the outcome.

the problem is that I am missing what I think is a pretty crucial part of the setup. As you can see in the picture there are fairleads immediately above the gooseneck. Rigrite has them for a crazy amount of money and they are made out of stainless steel. I was thinking of using a large nylon bullseye with a stainless insert, but I'm a little worried about the load? Should I spend the cash on these babys (http://www.colligomarine.com/Line%20...%20padeyes.htm)

what do you guys think? Is there something better?

any help or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Xavier

[Brian Duff]

oh well. my reply just as long as your post just got wiped out when I clicked the spell check button over there>>>>

Q1) rounding off the spreader base aft stem-ball socket aft side is probably OK to attach runner line directly to, but If this were a clients boat I'd use a shroud terminal backing plate and shroud terminal eye to attach runner a foot or so under the spreader base

Q2) any line covered with polyester will have long life. we normally use vectran for runners. could also use dynex dux. any bare line will need annual coating with maxijacket or similar

Q3) that system sucks. if you are going for it, yes use the Colligo fittings at tack and shape them to fit rig. Also use roller bearing blocks and small diameter lines to keep friction to a minimum. Be sure a winch is available to set reef (tons of friction), and lead reef lines so they don't capture the bunt of sail when reefing.

A better way ? yes, separate lines for clew and tack, or hook for tack if halyard winch at mast.

[billknny]

As a sailor, not a rigger, I can't comment on your first two questions, but I do feel qualified to comment on the reefing system.

My comment: Like Brian Said.

At work I sail a number of boats with single line reefing systems, and I hate them all. The friction that builds up in the system requires the use of a winch to pull the reef down, and there an enormous length of line that has to be cranked in. Great for bulking up your pecs, but a real pain in the real world. They are supposed to keep you back in the cockpit where you are imagined to be "safe" but I find myself going to the mast anyway to clear some kind of issue when the sail goes up or down and when reefing.

Simple is best. With the system Brian suggested as an alternative (single line for the clew, and hook or other attachment for the tack) I'll race anybody with a single line system to put a reef in under any conditions.

Bill