We've replaced the standard "pinch the two wires together" type of backstay adjuster with a very nice, and powerful, cascade system as we've always had problems getting the backstay tight enough to get rid of headstay sag while in breeze. With this new cascading system, trust me, we're not going to have headstay problems anymore.<br>
<br>My question? I looked below at the very front of the boat in front of that little wooden piece, and the headstay fitting is only through bolted at the top with no back up plate, and only one bolt in the front stem, under the rub rail. Typical Catalina construction... cheap. <br>
<br>Has anyone in the Wayzata fleet improved their backstay adjusting arrangement with a more powerful cascade? And has anyone ever beefed up the headstay piece? I'm thinking of removing it, then welding on a much longer tang, so that I have about three bolts through the stem of the boat, not just one. Plus, Catalina used no back up plates, only washers, which scares me. Has anyone put on too much backstay tension and yanked the headstay fitting right off the freaking deck? Or am I just being paranoid because these boats are built so poorly? Thoughts on yanking off your headstay fitting would be appreciated. If you could, please email me at <br clear="all">
<br>-- <br>Ken Reiff<br>Email: <a href="mailto:kenreiff@gmail.com">kenreiff@gmail.com</a><br>Cell: 562-637-6630<br>