Randy, The M17 split backstay works perfectly with the Johnson Marine Split Backstay Adjuster available from a number of sources including: http://www.apsltd.com/Tree/d39000/e38517.asp Annapolis Performance Sailing carries a lot of similar small boat parts. Johnson Marine's catalog is available at http://www.csjohnson.com. As you can see from the illustrations on the site above, it can be configured in many ways but all use some form of a multipart tackle to tension the backstay. Going upwind while close-hauled, a properly tensioned backstay helps to handle jib loading on the forestay and helps to keep a tight jib from scalloping. Conversely, a loose backstay going downwind helps the sails to maintain a fuller shape. There are several methods to make a backstay adjuster but this is a neat solution and I think it is particularly appropriate where your boat does not have an existing adjuster. I used these particular adjusters on Catalina 22's when I had them years ago and they worked great. Along with the adjuster, you need some form of multipart tackle. I found a cost effective source for 4:1 multipart tackles at Blue Water Yachts in Seattle. I use them for boom vangs, backstay adjusters, mast raising etc. $69.00 complete. You still need shackles or you can use the trailer sailors friend - carabiners. Their kit does come with boom bails but you can put them in the parts box unless you find the your boat didn't have a boom vang. But that is another subject. http://www.bwyachts.com/web%20catalog%2031203/mainsail%20handling/boom_vang_... Blue Water Yachts is actually a Macgregor dealer but lots of parts are interchangeable. Hope this helps. If you need more info, contact me directly off list. Jim Desnoyers Ketchum,. Idaho -------------------------- Randy Graves wrote -------------------------------- Friends, I'm looking for a recommendation on a backstay adjuster for our M17. Anyone have a backstay adjuster on their 17 that they are happy with? Anyone using the kind that pinches the two short stays together to create tension? We originally were looking for an adjustable turnbuckle; some way to easily tension the stays without tools when raising and lowering the mast. In talking with Jerry he suggested we go with a backstay adjuster rather than an adjustable turnbuckle. Any help is appreciated! Thank you, Randy Graves M17 #410 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.11.2 - Release Date: 5/2/2005