Twin Backstays

[tager]

I am in the slow process of getting my Haida 26 up to snuff. I am seriously considering replacing the existing backstay with twin backstays to the masthead. The rig is a barely fractional rig, almost masthead, something like 14/15 fractional.

I like the idea that if one backstay fails, the mast will stay up. Am I just paranoid? It seems prudent to have a rig designed like that since I am planning on going offshore eventually. I am also considering adding a solent stay for storm use. If I add both of those, that would be 10 stays going up the mast. Is that too much for a 26' boat?

I just don't like the idea of being dismasted.

[knothead]

Is the backstay the same diameter as the forestay? If so, you aren't gaining anything.
How would you attach the second backstay? If you plan on using a toggle and a diamond plate attached to the same pin that the backstay is currently attached to, you're not really gaining anything.
The boat was designed with the set up you have now and has evidently performed well. Why fix it if it isn't broken?

The best thing you can do to achieve the peace of mind that we all want to have concerning our rigs is to inspect everything thoroughly and often. Replace things that are suspect or beyond the manufacturer recommended lifespan. With rigging, as you know, that will change with climate.
Try not to overstress or shock-load the gear if possible.
I look at it the same way I do when asked about upgrading wire size. It really won't hurt anything except adding a little weight, but it really won't help either. Unless you redo the entire system from the chain plates to the mast attachment.
You can't just drill a bigger hole, install bigger wire and gain any strength.

[tager]

They would be attached to new chainplates on the starboard and port sides of the transom.

The rigging needs replacement soon, so I thought why not go this route?

It's not that it will be stronger, but that I like the redundancy. Is there any noticeable decrease in performance associated with twin backs?

[knothead]

Originally Posted by tager

Is there any noticeable decrease in performance associated with twin backs?

Can't think of any.
You can reduce the diameter of the wire if you are going to add a second backstay to the same pin at the masthead. That will offset the weight gain while losing no strength.
For instance, if you have 3/16" wire now, you can make the new ones 1/8". You would have to custom make your diamond plate(s).

I understand about the redundancy thing. But what makes you more worried about the backstay than any other wire in the rig?
I think that if it were me, I'd be more inclined to worry about the headstay. It seems to me that because of the smaller angle the headstay works harder that the backstay.

[tager]

Pieces of String Too Short to Save

I think I am convinced about the twin backstays thing now! Definite no!

Also, under sail, losing a backstay just means that you better keep your topping lift rigged. Losing a forestay would be disastrous, and seems to be the most common event. I guess you just have to leave your jib up until you somehow fix the problem, and hope she doesn't let go.

Losing shrouds, that seems to be impossible to plan for, I guess you just have to hope that you can jury rig and get to land before you die.