[C38] backstay adjusters

[Charles B. Finn]

The problem for us in discussing backstay adjusters is that Catalina 
used a variety of them over the years.  The first one was a Navtec -35, 
which as produced in the late 70s and early 80s.  This one is tough to 
re-build and about 10-20% of them leak even after a rebuild.  The 35 
model has a nickle sized plug on the bottom that is at about a 5-10 
degree angle from the bottom face.
This unit was replaced with the -36 model in which the plug is flush 
with the bottom plate.  the -36 model is more reliable and there appears 
to be no trouble rebuilding them.

One thing to watch out for is our old problem with stainless and 
corrosion!  About one in ten -35 and -36 models need a new stainless 
rod, which really ups the cost.  Normal rebuild cost by the way runs 
$300 - $400 according to the shop I use which used to be called 
Marblehead Marine:  ( http://www.theforepeak.com/     (talk to Tom)).  
By the way, the shop won't know if your is a "leaker" until after they 
have spent all the time and materials.....

Defender.com sells new ones for $1200.   At this time, mine is leaking 
as well and I have not decided whether it is worth it to rebuild....

Chuck Finn
Vice Commodore

On 7/30/2010 1:25 PM, Don Strong wrote:
> Dear Group: I have a Navtec hydraulic, with a gauge, that will put 
> huge pressure on the rig with great results for head sail shape. 
> However, it leaks hydraulic fluid and is constantly making a mess. 
> Expensive repair efforts, including expensive shipping, have failed to 
> stop the leaking. A mechanical BSA, one of the chrome wheel types, 
> looks attractive. Problem is, it seems to me, that one would not know 
> how much tension is placed on the rig.
> What are the experiences of others of you?
> Regards, Don
>
> On 7/30/10 10:19 AM, Max Soto wrote:
>> Hey Bill ,
>>
>> Congrats!
>> I also planning to install a backstay adjuster on Estancia, but still 
>> not sure if I should go for a hydraulic or a mechanical......
>> I'm also going to race tomorrow. Just borrowed a huge 155% and a huge 
>> assy, so we'll see how it goes.....
>>
>> Regards,
>> Max Soto
>> C38 #198 ESTANCIA
>> Puntarenas, Costa Rica
>>
>> 2010/7/30 Bill Haynes <hayneswm at charter.net 
>> <mailto:hayneswm at charter.net>>
>>
>>     Hi everybody!  Just thought I would let ya'll know that Zephyr
>>     was entered in another regatta here in St. Andrews Bay (Panama
>>     City, FL) and kicked butt once more.  The second place boat
>>     crossed the finish line more than 7 minutes later.
>>     We have a new custom fitted mainsail on now.  Next on the list to
>>     be done will be an adjustable backstay.  By this fall we will
>>     hopefully have a new 155 installed.
>>     Right now we are in the non-spinnaker class.  By next year we
>>     hope to be prepared to be in with the spinnaker class.  We are
>>     having lots of fun on this boat.
>>     Bill Haynes
>>     Athens, GA
>>
>>     _______________________________________________
>>     Listserve mailing list
>>     Listserve at catalina38.org <mailto:Listserve at catalina38.org>
>>     http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -- 
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Listserve mailing list
>> Listserve at catalina38.org
>> http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
>>      
>
> -- 
> Donald R. Strong
> Professor
> Dept. of Evolution and Ecology
> University of California, Davis 95616
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Listserve mailing list
> Listserve at catalina38.org
> http://catalina38.org/mailman/listinfo/listserve_catalina38.org
>    

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://catalina38.org/pipermail/listserve_catalina38.org/attachments/20100730/90a3bfa7/attachment-0001.htm>