Our Ensign backstay adjuster systems uses Harken 40mm Carbo blocks and incorporate a Spectra safety strop. With this system we use Schaefer toggles (SC9364) to attach the top block to your backstay swage eye and also to attach the bottom block to the stern plate. Just in case there were a block failure or the line were to run free, you will want to secure a spectra (3/16” Amsteel) safety stop to the toggles (not the shackles on the blocks) to insure your rig stays up.

The Ensign class rules specify that a backstay adjuster not be able to change the backstay length over 3”. For this reason, you would install stopper balls on either side of the lower block to prevent too much adjustment. A stopper knot in the line will keep the balls in place. Not including the tail, the adjustment line will need to be a minimum of 12 feet long so the ball can travel freely between the two blocks. The angle of the cam cleat/arm on the lower block can be adjusted to make cleating and nucleating easy.

Click on the link to see larger photos

Our Ensign backstay adjuster systems uses Harken 40mm Carbo blocks and incorporate a Spectra safety strop. With this system we use Schaefer toggles (SC9364) to attach the top block to your backstay swage eye and also to attach the bottom block to the stern plate. Just in case there were a block failure or the line were to run free, you will want to secure a spectra (3/16” Amsteel) safety stop to the toggles (not the shackles on the blocks) to insure your rig stays up.

The Ensign class rules specify that a backstay adjuster not be able to change the backstay length over 3”. For this reason, you would install stopper balls on either side of the lower block to prevent too much adjustment. A stopper knot in the line will keep the balls in place. Not including the tail, the adjustment line will need to be a minimum of 12 feet long so the ball can travel freely between the two blocks. Once the line exits the lower block it can be run below the stern deck and exit out the stern cockpit bulkhead using through deck blocks (H089s) and then to a cam cleat (H150).

Click on the link to see larger photos