Roger, great idea on the easily adjustable backstay adjuster!

Wilson, there are a number of posts with checklists for mast raising / lowering using the GB system that people have created over time.  Let us know if you are looking for that and have any trouble finding examples.

Jesse Shumaker
S/V Zephyr

On Mon, Oct 18, 2021 at 10:36 AM ROGER PIHLAJA <roger_pihlaja at msn.com>
wrote:

> Hi Wilson,
>
> It helps to make a checklist and follow it.  Do you have the GBI mast
> stepping system?  I am not strong enough to step/unstep the mast without
> this mechanical aid.  Stepping/unstopping the mast is faster if you have
> some helpers.  You save the rigging/unrigging time to setup the GBI mast
> stepping system.  But, if you are alone, the GBI mast stepping system makes
> it a safe, foolproof operation.
>
> The attached picture shows the OEM standard cleat for the backstay
> adjuster.  This cleat is located on the transom in the starboard aft
> corner.  Also shown in the picture is my improved “Go Faster” backstay
> adjuster.  The backstay tension is the primary way to adjust forestay sag.
> Forestay sag affects genoa sailshape.  You want to be able to adjust it
> quickly and reproducibly.  Here are the components of my backstay adjuster:
>
>
>   1.  Harken 146  Single Big Bullet Block With Shackle
>   2.  Harken 144 Swivel Base With 150 Cam-Matic Cam Cleat & Stand-Up Spring
>   3.  10-24UNC X 1-1/2 Inch 18/8 Stainless Steel Flat Head Phillips
> Machine Screws, Fenders Washers, & Nylock Nuts – 4 Reqd
>
> Instead of cleating the backstay adjuster off on the OEM standard horned
> cleat on the transom, rig it thru the Harken block and cam cleat.  Now,
> using a black magic marker, mark off every 6 inches on the backstay control
> line starting from when the backstay adjuster just starts to take up the
> slack in the forestay.  Now, you can reproducibly adjust the tension in the
> backstay with just a flick of the wrist and  a pull on the control line to
> the appropriate mark.  Note, the required backstay tension to eliminate
> forestay sag in heavy air is quite high.  I don’t like to leave the
> backstay tension that high when I leave the boat (think banana boat!).  So,
> I slack off the backstay adjuster when I’m not actually sailing.  Note, the
> Harken swivel base enables the helmsman to reach and adjust the backstay
> tension from any position in the cockpit.
>
> This discussion actually belongs in the “Go Faster” &/or “Furling Headsail
> Replacement” threads because it is another go faster upgrade associated
> with the genoa.
>
> Roger Pihlaja
> S/V Dynamic Equilibrium
>
> [cid:image002.jpg at 01D7C414.553B7930]
>
> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
>
> From: Wilson Cook via Rhodes22-list<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Monday, October 18, 2021 7:57 AM
> To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org<mailto:rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] First time
>
> So I erected my mast for the first time yesterday. I hope there is a short
> learning curve. Took a while but I was single handed  Biggest challenge was
> the headstay. Took everything I had after shortening chains twice. Once it
> was finally up and I was tensioning backstays something “popped” at the
> masthead and then forestay was looser.
>
> Related question- there is a block and tackle across the backstays but
> there is no cleat?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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