Running Backstays Advice

[Jim P]

I'd like some advice on whether I should install running backstays on my cutter.
My boat is a Caliber 35LRC that is equipped with a factory installed "convertible" inner forestay, a hank-on staysail, and a Z-Spar 600E furling mast that is supported by roller furling forestay, twin backstays, a single upper shroud plus fore and aft lower shrouds. The attachment point for the inner forestay slides up and down via a car on an integral mast track. This provides additional length adjustment when the stay is stored next to the mast. The staysail rig is self-tailing via a cabin-top traveler mounted just forward of the mast. Overall, it's a convenient, well-thought out design.

With the masthead genoa completely furled, the staysail fully deployed, and the main partially furled, I can induce a bit of bend in the stick by tensioning the inner forestay. The bend doesn't seem to increase on a beat in 20 knots of wind. There is no detectable mast pumping.

There seems to be some thought that when the main is partially furled into the mast it provides support to the staysail that would otherwise be provided by running backstays. Is this a reasonable assumption? What do Spartalk readers think of the setup? Are there some sail and/or wind combinations that are riskier than others? The Z-Spars mast has a reasonably stout cross section and is keel stepped. It already has standard "T" fitting slots in the correct position (i.e. adjacent the inner forestay attachment) for attaching running backstays. But I've been reluctant to complicate the deck rigging with additional lines and blocks. I only have a pair of single 44 ST winches in position in the cockpit so I guess the best option would be a multipart tackle to the stem. Would the toerail normally be strong enough for an attachment point.

Winter cruising in the Sea of Cortez frequently means winds upwards to 25-35 knots and I want to err on the safe side. At the same time, I don't want to invest in hardware if the system is already over-engineered. All suggestions welcome.

Note: I've checked out the items related to running backstays posted on this site and have learned from those responses. But I posted this question on the Caliber list server and haven't gotten any responses at all.

SV Pochteca
San Carlos, Sonora, MX

[benz]

There are two opinions constantly at war within me. The first, to make my rig as light and simple as possible, with no moving parts. The second, to do whatever it takes to make it stupid strong, so that the hull would have to break apart before the mast went by the board. The second opinion usually seems more sensible when I'm double-reefed in a gale watching the forestay bow off to leeward and listening to the rattle of leeward shrouds which did not go slack when I tuned the rig in more clement conditions. I have spent many long nights at the tiller balefully picturing every piece of the rig stretching and deforming, until every untoward sound, every luff of the storm jib, made me think, "that's it! there goes the stick!" During those times, there is no such thing as overbuilding; no such thing as too much rigging.
If you sail often in strong winds, even an unnecessary running backstay might offer gobs of comfort, and may even enbolden you to push on through under sail rather than resorting to the motor.
A wise man once said: "If you're gonna wish you had, you might as well do it."
Following seas!
Ben

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
Yeah, runners would be good. So many forestays are never loaded to the point they need them. And that, combined with the bother that many runners are, result in people skipping them. And then wish they had them when the wind gets serious. So see about HM runners, taken directly to the winches. No tackle, so easy overhaul and take-up. Also lighter, cheaper, and far more powerful. We splice ours into a fat tail, so you might give us a call.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss

[Jack]

Just completed a set of running back's from 7mm Dynex Dux. 15k breaking strength. I used a block and tackle and used Dynex for the block lines with a fat tail. We are coming up with some trick deadeyes for the termination, and using the McDonald Brummle to secure things.

So far I have replaced, backstay, running backstays, life lines, halyards (with fat tails) out haul, bow net frame (trimaran) The amount of weight and ease of handling has to be experienced to be believed. Truly a traditional future coming here with the new synthetics.

If you are in San Carlos I have more material if you want to make up some runners. I have 7mm (15k breaking) and 9mm (26k breaking) phone me at 226-0968 or ask around Bob's for Jack.

My boat is downtown out in front of the Oxxo station in front of my house.