Two backstays to single backstay

[Ryban]

I'm switching my dual backstay to a single backstay, mostly because my new boomkin is configured only for a single backstay -- but I've also talked myself into the idea that two backstays aren't necessarily better than one.

I have a question though for the top of the mast. There's a pin that goes through the mast bracket, which would be one possible new attachment location. Or I could use the pin that goes through the U-shaped piece of SS.

Is there any reason to do one over the other?

[Nekton73]

The u-shaped thingy is called a toggle. The mast bracket is your masthead crane.



When you go back to a single stay you can connect directly to the crane and many (most) boats come this way from the factory. If you look around your marina I'm sure you will see lots of examples.


However...


Many people advocate for the use of a toggle at all stay attachments. Search the forum for this discussion and you will find lots of info and discussion on this topic.



In your case, the primary reason toggle was used is so that the clew plate for the twin backstay could be added, as it would be incorrectly oriented if it was connected directly to the crane.

I personally would leave the toggle in place and connect your stay to that, but, you can also connect directly to the mast crane. Your stay length will of course be impacted by which way you decide to go.



As always, inspect and assess the condition of all hardware, and the crane, before deciding to reuse; and repair or replace if warranted.

[Ryban]

Perfect detailed answer, thank you very much.

I'm always a fan of fewer points of failure, but I can also see the arguments for needing a toggle as not to lock the stay into a single axis of pivot, and potentially develop unnecessary strain.