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