Wade - I have a 33-2 without a tensioning wheel, just yer basic turnbuckle. I
am easily able to tighten it to the point where the cabin door binds. (I then
back it off a bit.). Not sure about your cohort up there but in the fun
contests here, the 33-2 easily outruns most of its peers and many larger boats.
in my case at least it’s the skipper that needs the most tuning to go faster.
The only reason i can think of changing this arrangement (and I won’t) is that
the backstay is in the way of boarding via the stern ladder, which can be a
problem for all but the narrowest crew.
To the other poster’s point - my full PHRF mainsail already fouls the backstay.
As to reinforcing the transom - you would need a team of highly skilled
toddlers to work in that space!
Finally and IMO only....
I’m not sure what one would really gain by doing this, especially for mostly
recreational use. The cost would make a major dent in any number of other
upgrades you might enjoy more. (My new mainsail was a real eye opener as an
example)
Enjoy the warm weeks!
Dave
Sent from my iPhone
> On Aug 13, 2020, at 5:27 PM, Wade Glew <wadeg...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Dear Listers,
>
> As many of you know, the 33 MK II has a single rod backstay which terminates
> approximately in the centre of the reverse transom. I don't have a
> hydraulic backstay tensioner. Instead there is a small (perhaps 6") diameter
> wheel in the backstay which can be turned by hand (rather laboriously) to
> tighten or loosen the backstay (which is quite impossible when the sails are
> loaded). I'm not really a racer (and hydraulics are expensive) so have
> pondered the wisdom of swaging a fitting on the rod backstay and converting
> it to a split backstay with a Johnson car and blocks to have a manual
> tensioning system. This would increase somewhat the angle of the backstay
> and present the issue of finding spots on the hull or deck to anchor the
> backstay that would have sufficient strength. I have no idea if this would
> drastically alter the dynamics of the sail plan or the boat altogether. I
> also don't know where on the hull might have sufficient strength to support
> the backstay attachment. Is this a bad idea?
> Would anyone have any thoughts? Many thanks ......
>
> Wade
> Oh Boy 33 MK II
> Lake of the Woods
_______________________________________________
Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and
every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal
to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
