Harken announces availability of New Single-Acting Integral Hydraulic Backstay
by Harken 4 Mar 2022 21:29 UTC
Harken's new single-acting integral hydraulic backstay adjuster provides the power to optimize sail shape quickly for racers and adjust mast tension for smoother furling for cruisers. The innovative design incorporates a gun-drilled tube in the shaft, containing all of the hydraulic fluid inside the unit, and eliminates external hoses that can snag.
"We see sailors nursing existing backstay adjusters for years. They are replacing seals and fixing leaks; hoping to get one more year of use. The new integral is a simple DIY replacement that makes a huge improvement in boat performance and is also cost-effective," said Beau LeBlanc, Harken Hydraulics Sales Manager.
Every unit includes a hardcoat-anodized aluminum cylinder and pump, valve, and stainless pump handle. A roll pin, when installed, locks the handle permanently or it can be left off and the handle may be inserted when needed but is stored separately. Cylinders include a clevis pin on both ends. A fiberglass position marker attached to the top clevis pin slides down the cylinder as it's retracted for repeatable tension settings. Standard eye-jaw toggles fit all Harken cylinders and are recommended on all installations.
The pressure-release knob turns clockwise to close and pump, counterclockwise to release. When closing the pump, the knob cannot be over-tightened by hand, preventing damage to the valve. Release speed depends on how far open the knob is turned. Pressure relief is factory set to prevent crew from over-tensioning the backstay.
Harken integral backstay adjusters come in four sizes to fit boats 9 - 18 m (30 - 60') with stay diameters of 5 - 10 mm (7/32 - 3/8").
www.harken.com.au