My wire runners and checkstays are still in good shape after 32 years, but I am changing over to dyneema to reduce weight aloft and reduce chafe on the mainsail. I'm also making lazy jacks from smaller 1/8" dyneema.
Runners and checkstays can be rigged for singlehanding. Ours are setup with a permanently rigged bungi retractor, so they get pulled to the chainplates when eased, and remain out of the way most of the time. It's a simple operation to pull the tail to a winch and tension them when needed. I don't use them for casual daysailing, or when the backstay is unloaded. The permanent backstay holds up the rig, so we feel the checkstays and runners are additional tuning for the main and only necessary when the wind is strong and the backstay tensioned and the mast bent. The runners and checkstays pull out the bend in the mast making it straighter, so the mainsail becomes fuller while adding some tension to the genoa/headstay. They add support, stop mast pumping, and reduce stress on the mast. I mark the runner tails on our boat just like I mark the halyards, so I can tension them acurately and repeat settings while singlehanding. Backstay and runners work against each other, one bends the mast and the other straightens it. So I'm always looking for better advice on how to adjust mine appropriately and in what order, as I try to be a better sailor. Please let me know if you see a good explanation for adjusting these on a 35 foot keelboat. Chuck Scheaffer Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, Pasadena, Md > On 07/23/2021 8:44 PM Hoyt, Mike via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: > > > Do you actually use these? Our frers 33 has check stays and although they > help with main shape we rarely use them due to added complications tacking etc > > Mike > Peraiatence > Halifax > --------------------------------------------- > From: cenelson via CnC-List <cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > Sent: July 23, 2021 9:26:54 PM > To: Stus-List > Cc: cenelson > Subject: Stus-List Wire vs. Dyneema check stays > > > I have decided to replace my standing rigging on Water Phantom, my now 26 > yr old 1995 C&C XL/kcb. > > The rigger has recommended staying with a rod replacement vs. wire to > better match the rod fittings, esp. at the mast head and to save money. > > He also recommends going with dyneema, instead of wire, for the check > stays. > > My concern is uv damage to the dyneema which I understand has been a > problem with using it vs. wire. > > His response is that the early coatings used to protect dyneema led to > short lifetimes but that the newer coatings have solved that problem. > > OTOH, my wire check stays are still fine “…after all these years…” > > My question is should I go with dyneema for the checks or stay with new > wire assuming the costs are similar? > > Thanks, > > Charlie Nelson > > > Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS > https://apps.apple.com/us/app/aol-news-email-weather-video/id646100661 > Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the list to help > with the costs involved. If you want to show your support to the list - use > PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks - Stu >
Thanks to all of the subscribers that contributed to the list to help with the costs involved. If you want to show your support to the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray Thanks - Stu
