Bowsprit Stay Tension

[Ian McColgin]

There are normally three stays out there: a bobstay to hold the bowsprit down and the two whisker to keep it centered.

The bobstay is heavier than the jib stay as a glance at the parallelagram of force will show that it takes a greater strain. But since it's simply in opposition to the jib stay, that tension will actually set the bobstay tension - - So much so that I progressivly got rid of turnbuckles on the bobstays of three boats I've had and 4 other boats I helped rerig. I use a come-along or a big guy on the end of the unsupported bowsprit to steve it down just a hair to hook-up the bobstay. It's short and not visible stretch so that comes out about right. If you've still a turnbuckle, prior to setting up the jib stay tighten the bobstay till there's just the slightest visible deflection of the bowsprit.

Baba's don't normally have chain for the bobstay but if you do or are tempted, don't. Chain actually stretches and is more prone to damage and corrosion than good cable.

The whiskers I take to freehand tight and then go for a sail. If the bowsprit deflects or if the lee whisker goes soft, I tighten accordingly.

G'luck

Ian