Backstays, Arrrrg!

[deniseO30]

on my boat it's a split BS, and the split is about 6ft high, the bimini is slotted with zippers to go around the cables. I know it's a problem with single bs boats too. How do some of you deal with it ? I'm not that tall either. I've lost earrings, even banged my head on them and it hurts! padding just makes the cables more obtrusive btw.

[sailingdog]

Wear a hat with a big brim... that will act as an early warning system and protect your head and ears.

[KeelHaulin]

Double deck-to-masthead backstays? That would at least get the shrouds further away from the helm. Otherwise; sail with a hardhat on??

[knothead]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

on my boat it's a split BS, and the split is about 6ft high, the bimini is slotted with zippers to go around the cables. I know it's a problem with single bs boats too. How do some of you deal with it ? I'm not that tall either. I've lost earrings, even banged my head on them and it hurts! padding just makes the cables more obtrusive btw.

Denise, give me a call. We can fix you up with a new B & R rig that eliminates the backstay completely.
For a mere 15 to 20 grand you will never have to duck again.

[T37Chef]

Get a center cockpit

[Boasun]

One method that works every time is...Keep a hand on the back stay, thus you will always know where it is at all times. Plus you have something to hold on to when the boat heels over further during a gust of wind.

[sailortjk1]

Just disconect them, What are the used for anyway?

[deniseO30]

errr.. "tanks a rot" guys LOL shoulda known left myself wide open on this one LOL now that i'm sailing more. it doesn't seem to be that bad as a problem.

[sailingdog]

LOL... anytime...