Backstay replacement.

[zz4gta]

Where can I find a place to make me another cable? Do they have premade backstay cables that I can order even if my boat is no longer made? From what I've been finding (or not finding) it looks like I'll have to get one made.

[Giulietta]

ZZ

I assume your back stay is metal wire, correct?

You can make one out of Dyneema rope, will do the same thing, be lighter, stronger and easier to fabricate. If you can't splice it (that's the hard part) , you can allways tie a bowline to it.

However, need more details, what boat, how you adjust etc.

Your question was like....help I had a flat tire, where can I get a new one???

[sailingdog]

ZZ-

Call up Rigging Only in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and ask them. They can make up a backstay and ship it out to you...and have pretty good prices and excellent service.

Of course, as Giu has pointed out...it would help if you said what boat you need a backstay for...and if you have the length of the backstay (eye-to-eye) and the diameter and material specification of the wire and clevis pins used currently.

[JimsCAL]

Any local rigger can make one up for you. As stated, he will need diameter and pin-to-pin dimensions. Far easier to do the measurements and replacement if the mast is down!

[SailorMitch]

Most West Marine stores have the wire, swages and equipment you need to make your own stays. Or you can use Norseman or Hayn Hi-Mod fittings (I have some experience helping a friend with the Hayn and can recommend that as being pretty easy to install.)

[sailingdog]

Hayn Hi-Mod are a bit nicer than the Norseman or Sta-Locks, since they have a crown ring that helps keep the wire strands in the proper positions.

[zz4gta]

Sorry about that, Its a Merit 25. Yes it is a metal cable, and it splits at the lower end aprox. 3 feet from where it attaches at the transome. The lower ones (after the split) are fine. But the single stay running to the mast head has a kink in it from improper storage. Thanks for the advice!