My rigging includes a baby stay that is attached just under the 1st spreader. My mast has 54 foot “I” and two spreaders. This is the first boat I have had with a baby stay, so I am not sure why with this rigging I need one. I would like to take it off for more forward deck room. What are the trade offs? And when would I most likey need the baby stay?
Hi Mike: The baby stay is there to prevent the mast from inverting or pumping. The only way around this is with more mast section in the fore and aft direction, or aft swept spreaders which push the mast forward. In light airs and/or smooth water you might be able to leave the baby stay off. But I’d check with a rigger first. Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
