Cape Dory 28 Backstay

[laurazech]

I am a new CD 28' owner with my boat, Harmony, anchored in Puerto Rico while I am living in Pittsburgh for time being. My agent in Puerto Rico is having my boat hauled out for me the second week in August. While it is hauled out I need to have the backstay and two spreaders replaced. I would like to get quotes on the backstay from rigging vendors but they ask me for length, diameter and pin size needed when I was hoping they would be the ones telling me that information. I can find some standard specs online for CD 28 but not even an estimate for the backstay.

Wouldn't this be somewhat standard on CD 28' built in 1978? As well as the diameter of the wire and the size of the pin. Does anyone have this information? The prior owners said they have never had the rigging replaced.

thanks for any help

[sgbernd]

I wouldn't try that route because any variation in the build, or previous owner modifications could result in a stay which is too long or short, has the wrong terminals, lh or rh wrong thread, etc. Then you have a mess of trying to modify it to get it to fit or expense of doing it over.

First, look at the adjustment of the turnbuckle and decide roughly if it is the right length or needs to be shorter/longer and if so, by how much. (I assume it is already tensioned correctly). Also decide if you like the thickness or want to go to a different size. (Sometimes cruisers go one size over).

Next, take your old one down, take it to the rigger, and tell him you want it replaced (typically less 1/4" or whatever stretch you anticipate). He will make you a replacement with the proper terminals, etc. Then all you have to do is install it and tension which is easy.

BTW, do you have a source for OEM spreaders?

Steve Bernd

[Bill Goldsmith]

I agree with Steve. Once the boat is hauled and the mast unstepped, have the agent coil up the old back stay and send it to you. Then you can bring (or send) the stay to a rigger who can duplicate it. I did this with Rigging Only in Fairhaven Mass and they did a great job.

For the OEM spreaders, you may want to contact Rig-Rite. Since the CD-28 used round sections (not airfoil-shaped), you can probably get any rigger to duplicate them. The specs are here:

http://www.rigrite.com/Spars/Spartan_Sp ... prdrs.html

[CD_Sailor]

I am a new CD 28' owner ... I need to have the backstay and two spreaders replaced. I would like to get quotes on the backstay from rigging vendors but they ask me for length, diameter and pin size ...

Perhaps the simplest route is to order the backstay to within a few inches (easily enough to measure with a halyard and long tape measure) and then have your riggers in PR use mechanical fittings (StaLok or similar). Alternatively, have the backstay wire fitted with a swage at the truck in the States, and have the local mechanic in PR fit the StaLok to the proper length.

Incidentally if your rigger in PR indicates that fitting mechanical terminations it too difficult, it might be time to look for a different rigger. Also, backstay integrity is no place to shave pennies.