Harken Tech Corner: Backstay Adjusters

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Danilo Fabbroni Guide to Standing and Running Rigging: RIGGING

On masthead boats, the backstay adjuster is the primary device for changing headstay tension. A loose headstay makes the genoa full for drive in light air and chop, while a tight headstay flattens the genoa for heavy air speed. Furling systems require a tight headstay. On fractionally rigged boats, backstay tension contributes to headstay tension but is used primarily to bend the mast and flatten the mainsail. Use these sketches to develop ideas that may work on your boat.

Typical boat length:
Small Boat: 22' - 28' (6.7 - 8.5 m)
Midrange: 29' - 34' (8.8 - 10.4 m)
Big Boat: 35' - 42' (10.7 - 12.8 m)

	Small Boat	Mid- range	Big Boat
	HARKEN PART NUMBER
6:1 Right Angle
A	344 2640	—	—
B	347 2648	—	—
12:1 Cascaded Right Angle
A	300	—	—
B	344 2640	—	—
C	347 2648	—	—
4:1 Split Backstay
A	304	304 308	—
B	2655 2621	2621 1559	—
C	2658 2624	2624 1556	—
8:1 Split Backstay
A	304	308	—
B	2655 2621	2621 1559	—
C	2658 2624	2624 1556	—
6:1 Double-ended Split
A	304 308	304 308	—
B	2636	2600	—
C	2638	2602	—
D	349 2652	2652 2600 on 369	—
E	350 2644	2644 2606	—
F	338 150	150	—
Backstay Adjuster
A	—	B1722 B1834	—
Backstay Adjuster with Winch Handle
A	—	B500 B501	B502 B503
B	—	B8AL B10AL	B8AL B10AL
2:1 Backstay Adjuster with Winch Handle
A	—	737 1991 1853 3013	3013 1855 3019 3024
B	—	B500 B501	B502 B503
C	—	B8AL B10AL	B8AL B10AL

6:1 Right Angle: This simple 6:1 systems is used on smaller cruising boats.

12:1 Cascaded Right Angle: A wire block is placed at the end of the backstay. A flexible cable runs over the wire block to form a 2:1 purchase, for a total power of 12:1.

4:1 Split Backstay: Tackle pulls the wire blocks down the backstay, pinching the legs together.

8:1 Split Backstay: A more powerful version of the split backstay adjuster uses a doubling wire running through a wire block for a purchase of 8:1.

6:1 Double-ended Split: Double-ended split backstay adjuster leads the lines forward to cam cleats mounted just ahead of the helmsman.

Backstay Adjuster: Great for cruising boats! Small stay adjusters feature integral handles that fold out for easy adjustment.

Backstay Adjuster with Winch Handle: A simple, powerful backstay adjuster without hydraulics. The stay tensioners accept a standard winch handle.

2:1 Backstay Adjuster with Winch Handle : A stay tensioner with a split backstay. Replace the two lower legs of the backstay with flexible cable turned over a large block on the standing section of the stay. Size both block and wire to match the strength of the back.