I have a very simple and strong backstay adjuster, but the amount of rake is controlled by the forestay. Putting tension on the back stay will pull the top of the mast only as far as the forestay allows. Addition tension on the back stay will help prevent the luff of the jib from sagging to leeward. To adjust the amount or rake, adjust the forestay. BTW there is another advantage of a fair amount of rake. I've noticed that when I slack off the tension on the backstay (dowind), the top of the mast moves foreward making the head sail a little fuller and generating a slight increase in downwind speed. I haven;t seen the latest issue of Good Old Boat. I'll check to see if Miss T is in there.
John Edwards Miss T M17 # 372 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
