Turnbuckle placement on split backstay

[jimgolding]

This past winter I replaced the standing rigging on our 32' sloop, which has a split backstay. I have since noticed that the lower backstays do not make a straight line with the strap-type chainplates on the transom to which they attach. Reviewing photos taken before the project, I see this was also the case with the previous rigging.

This bothers me.

There are turnbuckles at the base of each lower backstay, just as the boat was originally rigged. I have seen some boats that have, instead, a single turnbuckle above the triangle plate - this seems like a good solution for ensuring the lower backstays make a predictably fair lead to the chainplates, as long as the TB is easily reached.

Does anyone have comments on the preferred location of the TB(s) in a split backstay setup? Any other comments are welcome, too.

[Matthew Sebring]

Actually - changing the chainplates aside - the toggles at the lower end of the turnbuckle should ensure that all leads fair-er. Certainly better than forks which would translate that unfair lead to where the wire exits the swage leading to problems.

[jimgolding]

Yes, the toggles prevent any strain on the wires from unwanted directions.

The chainplate is a stainless steel strap, through-bolted on the transom at an angle which points toward the triangle plate...almost. The wire does not pull in a direction that is along the axis of the chainplate.

Three bolts attach the chainplate to the transom. With the direction of pull not being through the chainplate axis (these three bolts are on that axis), it seems this would put a rotational stress on the chainplate (and transom). That is what bothers me.

Jim

[jimgolding]

It might help if I add this: the fore-aft angle of the chainplate is fine. If I could magically make the upper backstay a bit longer and the lower backstays a bit shorter (thereby lowering the triangle plate) this could make the lower backstays align with the axis of the chainplates. Maybe that helps?

So, I'm wondering if I should just adjust stay lengths, or if while I'm at it also remove the lower turnbuckles in favor of a single turnbuckle above the triangle plate.

[Matthew Sebring]

This brings up a question - how detrimental is the chainplate being off axis? On boats with an adjustable split backstay that angle will be off more often than correct.

[osteoderm]

I've dealt with both arrangements, and a single turnbuckle above the plate is a pain. It's hard to get to, hard to inspect, harder adjust. I like turnbuckles where I can get to 'em.