To contribute to other threads: I have 4 pop-rivets holding on the end of
the boom at the gooseneck, and I only have 4 stays. The back-stay is
factory installed and hooks to the middle of the transom. There is a short
piece of cable with an eye attached for hanging the boom (no lifting
tackle). The backstay is loose when the boat is set up. I created a
method of putting tension on it using one pulley (prob. no more than 100
lbs. tension) I can't bend the mast quite as much as Judy can, probably
because my side stays arn't loose enough. I think it sails better with
the backstay tightened.
Eric Zilbert
Davis "not by the sea" California
P19 #621 "Riptide"