So OK ... after 25 years of having this original engineering flaw irritate me with the tackle being too close to the engine compartment vent, I am trying a height adjustment to raise the cleat away from the vent and that also clears the tiller to make it easier to adjust.

I know all you racing addicts think this stock arrangement was prehistoric ... but there are a bunch of us who don't play the backstay on every wave, nor do we have a spare crew person who even knows how to do that.

If this 500 lb test lashing cord works I will make up a ~6 in. nicopress pennant to replace the cord.

{I guess I shouldn't mention that the weather here in SW Florida is looking like an early dry season, mid to high 80s, with four more days forecasted at ~15 wind and Sunny. Nicole missed us completely. You sort of gravitate to the boat with a can of Ice and play mechanic. now to find some golden agers to do a spin run with.}

Vic - you missed the Rhapsody delivery from Newport to Fall River yesterday for hauling. Winds on the nose out of the NE constantly over 20 and hitting 30. Air temp in the 50s, overcast. It was a wet ride with chop up to 3 feet at time - mostly 1 to 2 feet on the bay.

We used maximum backstay and reefed main. I only had the #1 onboard since a bunch of stuff was already taken off the boat. Needless to say we didn't fly the genoa.

Now - on the backstay setup, there was a good thread with various setups at this link

Bebop is set up similar to Rhapsody. In breeze when you are likely to be adjusting the backstay, you have to lean in from a fully hiked position to a line that is beyond your toes. Not very ergonomic especially for more mature skippers. When you do lean in you inevitably bring the tiller extension with you, turning up. Plus those cam cleats are at the same height as the skipper's shins when standing up in the cockpit to steer downwind or tacking.

I'd go with something like sjans and Zephyr except I don't want a deck that looks like Swiss cheese.

Bill- I know how you feel, we went Little Compton to Marion Sunday- Absolutley straight in to it, 8 hours, wind hiting 25-30k regularly, seas 3-5 feet out in the open. Boat did great

so ok ... we are just about finished wasting time down here waiting for the snow bird crew to arrive. Like many of yous we have the Lifesling somewhere in the way or hanging on the outside stern rail. We did kick up the backstay adjustment block {noted above} and then found that the Lifesling 2 fit pretty well behind it ... EXCEPT that the flap killed the stern light ... function over form won by cutting a hole for the stern light. also makes an nice arm rest.

Vic - Rhapsody has the swim ladder on the stbd side, so that mounting isn't an option.

Can you elaborate on your cruising seats? Do you have plans for them you can post? Mango Madness made some nice seats.

roger, roger ... ladder on Rhapsody on wrong side ... means it is over the exhaust which when picking someone up from overboard has them inhailing exhaust. Also reason I hooked yours on my bow earlier this summer. I think whomever put it in was left handed.

SternPerch seats link. These are ~10 years old. have a weight limit of 175 or so.[although they claim ~225} Interestingly the Pearson 31 next to me at the dock also has them but with a black beer can holder. the current price of $279 was not what I paid on a special sale back then. And almost makes it a winter project worthwhile ... using a stronger piece of plastic for sure.

We just did our first distance race with # 48 yesterday_..12 miles upwind in 16 knots true_.heavy #1 up and everyone on the rail_.have to say the backstay system needs some serious improvement ! Going to come up with an entirely different backstay system for next year.

On a side issue_my arms are tired today_these things drive like dump trucks uphill without power steering in those conditions_..

how old are your sails?

A "balanced" rudder helps with the arm workout and dump truck feel.