Offset backstay

[messias]

Hi everyone,

My new (to me) boat, a Dehler Varianta 65 (that´s 6.5m, not 65 feet )
has an offset backstay that, at least visually, does not ispire much confidence. Maybe it´s just me and my natural inclination for symmetry, but as all of my previous boats had either dual backstays or a single split backstay... I confess that I am a bit nervous about this setup.
Not my boat below but a sister ship.



Do you know any problems that might come out of this? Any concerns while screwing the shrouds? Anything?

Thanking you in advance,
CookieJar

[Fiveslide]

There are other boats out there designed like this. The Morgan OI 41, I believe, is one them, its forestay is offset just a bit to starboard. I wouldn't worry too much unless it is an owner modification, if it is factory it should be okay.

If a Morgan OI isn't the right boat I'm thinking of and an owner can correct me, please do.

I can't see your image, btw

[Fiveslide]

See the photo below, offset just a little bit to starboard. Out island 41

[Fiveslide]

I see your photo now. Your's can't be centered because of the transom-hung rudder. I think lots of boats with this type of rudder are built like that unless they went to the expense to do a split​ backstay.

[Don C L]

Wow, I remember seeing a boat like that many years ago when I was kid, and I remember it because it upset my sensibilities and desire for symmetry. But in reality a foot or so out of line isn't going to make a noticeable difference in a small boat and I suppose it could be argued that it is superior to a split backstay since it has fewer places to fail. I would not worry about it at all.

[Geoff54]

My Catalina 42 has an offset backstay. I worried about it at first but now I don't notice it. 'Doesn't seem to be an issue.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by Geoff54

My Catalina 42 has an offset backstay. I worried about it at first but now I don't notice it. 'Doesn't seem to be an issue.

I was about to mention that. Catalina only made about a thousand C42s and I've never heard of the offset backstay ever being an issue or problem.

[messias]

Thanks a lot guys! I figured it wouldn't be a big, big issue, since ask variantas came like this, but if there are other boats alike, then I am more happy now 😊
Thanks again!

[Boatguy30]

The degrees of offset is much greater than the close to nil on the Catalina 42. But it's such a small boat the loads are minimal. Does the masthead twist any tack to tack upwind. Only if those type of obvious problem was occurring would it be worth addressing.

[messias]

I did not notice any problem at all (in fact I'm extremely pleased with the boat). It was more of a concern due to the asymmetry and me not being used to it than anything else.
Thanks a lot guys!

[double u]

these boats are very famous in germany. your's is the N-hemisphere/E-longitude- version with backstay to the right of the rudder. S-hemisphere/W-longitude- versions have it on the rudder's left side. kraut-engineering, better not to doubt it! (zhei hafe vays, u know!)

[Group9]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

The degrees of offset is much greater than the close to nil on the Catalina 42. But it's such a small boat the loads are minimal. Does the masthead twist any tack to tack upwind. Only if those type of obvious problem was occurring would it be worth addressing.

I don't know. Looking at the that picture he posted , and at my C42, the angle looks pretty close.