[Rhodes22-list] Traditional Mast Backstay problem

[ROGER PIHLAJA]

Hi Brian,

On S/V Dynamic Equilibrium, my 1978 Rhodes 22, I had a local wire rope rigging shop duplicate what I had when it was time to replace the double backstays.  As you described, it is one piece of cable bent in the middle around a SS thimble.  My backstay adjuster and sockets for the traveler bar are also like yours.  I used this backstay for many years with the GBI gen 2 traveler bar.  When it came time to upgrade to the latest Gen 3 traveler, it slipped right into place using the same backstays and sockets.

Roger Pihlaja
S/V Dynamic Equilibrium 
1978. Sanford, MI
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 22, 2024, at 1:46 PM, Brian Ferguson <brian.a.ferguson76 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> To my fellow Rhodes traditional mast-ers,
> My current backstay consists of a single continuous piece of ss cable run
> bent through a thimble to mark the halfway point The thimble is the
> connecting point to the mast head. The two cable ends have stay adjusters.
> There are two single blocks on each side for a total of four, with one of
> which having a becket. Those blocks by the way, are attached to the
> backstay cable with a short piece of cable swaged on to the mainline.
> (Describing it is easier than drawing a picture). I know the blocks are for
> increasing the tension and adjusting underway. Bottom line, everything
> looks very homemade.
> The last time I asked about this, everyone said to purchase a new assembly
> with the traveler bar from GB. Does the latest GB version work for a
> traditional mast? Is there a height difference between the IMF mast and the
> traditional? Or do I just make a copy of what I have?
> Current price of the Backstay assembly is $425 if the webpage prices are
> still accurate. Next email is to Mr Gabriel.
> Thanks all.
> Brian
> NewIn76