backstays and gaff rigs

[Brian Duff]

The gaffers I have sailed on and seen have all had shrouds lead aft of the mast out on the rail, and running backstays to provide additonal aft support, but never a 'backstay' by modern terms. The gaff is in the way.
Changing a boat like you want to can be fun, but there should be a lot of thought and careful design put into the planning stages to make sure the new rig will work and handle like you want it to. Reserch.

Have fun
Brian