Checkstays question

Hiljoball · Post by **Hiljoball** » 04 Jan 2007, 17:54

I am building my rig and have a question about checkstays relative to Rule F5.2 (b) (1). that states

(1) Pair of checkstays if a mast strut is not fitted.

What is a mast strut? Is a mast ram the same as a mast strut?

If 'yes', then I am not using a mast strut.

What are checkstays? Are they another name for lower shrouds?

Bruce Andersen · Post by **Bruce Andersen** » 05 Jan 2007, 04:01

mast strut = mast ram

designed to keep the lower part of the mast from moving forward

checkstays are short bits of wire/line that attach to the lower mast then angle aft to deck attachment points also to prevent the lower part of the mast from moving forward

I can't say as I have seen checkstays on an IOM in the last 5-6 years as the mast ram is easier to set up and results in less stuff on deck.

Hiljoball · Post by **Hiljoball** » 05 Jan 2007, 06:23

Thanks Bruce. Now I understand.

I did more research in the rules and found that the checkstay is limited to 100mm from the mast heel. This limit gives the checkstay a different purpose that that used in big boat sailing. (Hence my confusion, as I knew that only one set of shrouds was alllowed and a checkstay could easily create the function of a lower shroud).

In full-size, the checkstay is usually attached to the mid-mast near the spreaders and is used to limit/control mid-mast bend.

The 100mm limit as you state makes it a wire based equiv. to a mast ram. Therefore not worth pursuing.