[C38] backstay adjusters

[S Orton]

Santa Susanna (1985) has a SAILTEC hydraulic/mechanical locking backstay adjuster.  You hydraulically apply the load, lock the adjuster and then remove the hydraulic pressure- no pressure, no leakage.  About 10 years ago, I left the pressure for several days, maybe a week, on by accident, and blew the seals.  I sent back to the manufacturer for over haul and it cost around $400.  Since, using it properly, I've had no problem.  I'm sure the secret is the mechanical lock.
 
Cheers, Steve O 


Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:36:11 -0400
From: charles at finn.ws
To: listserve at catalina38.org
Subject: Re: [C38] backstay adjusters


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>



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
 
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Donald R. Strong
Professor
Dept. of Evolution and Ecology
University of California, Davis 95616
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