Storm Jib options
 

I am interested in adding a storm jib on a removable inner forestay. I did this on my previous rig which had inline spreaders. The new boat's rig has very swept spreaders (approx 25%) and I wonder if I would still need running backs if the the inner stay was attached to the mast at the upper spreaders.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Paul
SV Distant Shores

please provide more details as to boat type, size, disp, ballast and beam.

Does the boat have any backstays at all right now ?

given the low cost and weight of runners and their simplicity of operation, I would propose that they be added reguardess.

what did HE say ? 'Nothing to strong ever broke' ...right ?

Boat Rig details
 

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your input.

The boat is 42 feet LOA. 13'3'' beam. Disp approx 27000lbs. She has two sets of spreaders swept almost 30 degrees aft. She is a sloop with a 9/10 fractional rig but also has a lighter masthead forestay with roller furled genoa. The inner (9/10) forestay is the "real" forestay. We have an adjustable backstay with mechanical purchase. The rig is by Selden.

I do understand the concept of over-reinforcing things. On our previous boat I rigged it with a staysail and running backstays but felt it was too complicated. After 2 transatlantic crossings I removed the backstays and raised the inner forestay to a Solent stay close to the masthead. However that boat was more conventional with fore and aft lower shrouds (not swept spreaders). Obviously that rig needed runners when the inner was lead to the upper spreaders. The new boat has such swept spreaders that I hoped to get away without runners.

Paul
here's a shot of the spreaders...
http://expeditionyachtservices.ca/pa...utherly42.html then click exterior pix and there are a few of our rig with the double headstay.

While running load numbers may reveal that we neeed larger intermediate shrouds, I don't think that will be the case. Adding an inner-forestay without runners would probably be fine on that boat. That said runners can easily be set up to weigh almost nothing, cause no damage to anything on the boat, and be operated completely from the cockpit with mostly existing hardware.

I strongly recommend hiring a rigging shop to help with the upgrade, and be sure they calculate the loads added to the rig and ensure that the mast is up to the task. Selden and Southerly will be happy to consult with whatever rigger you hire, I am sure.