Hallberg 29 backstay tensioner

The Hallberg Rassy 29 is a fractional rigged boat. 

Rigging dimensions Hallberg29

As the backstay tensioner is being pulled, you might expect the forestay to get more tensioned, but that is barely the case. Because of the top shrouds helding the mast in place there, see picture. 

When tensioning the backstay the top of the mast bends backwards, as the middle part bends forwards. Causing the mainsail to get another (less) shape and de-power your boat at higher wind speeds. Read this useful article on the subject here.

I found that working with the backstay tensioner could give you a more comfortable sail, as your boat reacts more friendly in gusts. I suppose it is also more effective when your sails are not that stiff anymore. Wind gets to hang more in your sail then.

My backstay tensioner was still the original one. A steel wire triangle with a pulley. It needed a lot of force to tension it well. So I chose to renew the setup and change it a little.

Hallberg Rassy 29 backstay

So the pulley stayed. But I added two blocks, so the strengh doubled. A new 10mm line added to the looks. Nice, but in the beginning it slips a little in the clamp.

There is one thing I overlooked. The steel wire suddenly was not in the center of the boat anymore. Why?? After some thinking, I discovered that the legs were not equally strong in this setup.

Nothing to worry about, but I will change the upper block for a violin block. The line should end at the bottom right attachment point.

I'm happy with the new stronger backstay. Another easy modification which improves your sailing pleasure. In fact, so far every modification really adds to enjoying our Hallberg 29. 

Go back to an earlier post.