Definately go with the split backstay adjuster. In addition to your mentioned advantages if you have enough slack in the backstay it is much easier to pin up the forestay. Eldor M17 Motu iti -----Original Message----- From: Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Sun, Jun 6, 2010 2:29 pm Subject: M_Boats: Backstay tensioner Has anyone with a M17 with a CDI furler toyed with installing a backstay ensioner? I have my backstay tightened down as far as the turnbuckle will llow but notice that the headstay/furler looks a little limp. To compensate I ightened up the headstay but now I have very little rake, if any. I've seen ecommended rakes as much a 12". 'm thinking that a backstay tensisoner might kill two birds with the same tone..... tighten the forestay and create some rake??? 'm thinking of using a pincher design using a 4 part purchase to tension a pair f blocks to ride down the split stays. Has anyone tried this? Are the ttachements at the the deck for the split backstay strong enough to handle a ackstay tensioner? Am I toying with danger that might damage any of the rest f the rigging?? Any advice is always welcome. hanks, oe 17 Seafrog #651 ______________________________________________ ttp://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!