Integral backstay adjusters can play a big role in how a boat sails. Being able to adjust the backstay tension from the pump of a handle can be useful on cruisers just as much as racers. We all need to make general changes to the boats trim depending on wind and wave conditions in order to keep control of the boat.

Please note: in the case of the offshore cruiser or racer, one should ask their local rigger about having a fail-safe turnbuckle assembly rigged. When set up properly a ‘Hydraulic Backstay Failsafe’ allows the sailor to mechanically tension the backstay in the event of hydraulic failure/ leak.

SELDEN

Selden‘s new line of HIT hydraulic adjusters, seem to have taken a up the hole left behind in the market from Holmatro, makers of the Jaws of Life, who has exited the sailboat market. This sleek new hydraulic line up comes in two different colors, classic black or a silver metallic, and has the gauge on top of the cylinder instead of at the bottom; one of the design flaws that I’ve notice on earlier model adjusters (regardless of manufacturer) is that you have to crawl on the deck to try and read the gauge, what a pain. Another feature that really sets Selden apart from the rest, is the automatic two-speed function of the ram. The automatic two-speed function allows you to achieve adequate backstay tension with fewer pumps of the lever than some of the older/ other manufacturers.  Once the hydraulic cylinder detects a specified amount of pressure, the unit kicks into “second gear” and fine-tuning is achievable with some additional pumps of the lever.

Although beautifully constructed of high quality materials, this unit comes at a fairly high price starting about $800 more than the competitors. In my opinion, just to have the gauge in a more visible location is well worth the price alone (not to mention the two speed pump). Read here for more information.

NAVTEC

When it comes to one of the most popular names in sailboat rigging, Navtec has always had an incredible reputation. Navtec’s name in sailboat rigging has always been a rigging staple, however the company encountered some troubles roughly 10-15 years ago, and has since split into two, and thankfully, been resurrected as two different companies: Navtec Hydraulics and Navtec Rod Rigging.

~That’s right…NAVTEC is back!!!

When it comes to integral backstay adjusters, Navtec units seem to have been the most popular on wide array of boat designs. These hydraulic systems are tried and trued and withood the test of time. One of the “Grand Daddy’s” of sailboat Hydraulics.  Navtec’s adjuster come in around the middle of the cost range when comparing competitors.

HARKEN

The newest of them all is Harken’s New Hydraulic Lineup. This is such a new product there is no real r&d which I can see as a concern to some, but rest assured this is a company known to its dedication to quality (just ask Americas Cup Teams). Once again Harken known for innovation, boasts a gauge that is mounted on top (much like the Selden) AND can also adjust to 4 different positions allowing it to be seen from almost any angle, THANK YOU HARKEN! Instead of the two speed function which Selden adds as a luxury, Harken has created a pump that is 1:1 actuating. Meaning that oil is delivered as the handle goes in and out, instead of the competitors’ design which only delivers oil when the handle is being pulled away from the cylinder. This may also be a work around for One Design rules (all of you J105 racers out there!), disallowing two speed pumps………at least until they catch on ;-0)

“Price wise, Navtec, Sailtec integral adjusters are all comparable. Harken and Selden are a bit higher tiered in price but off faster pumps”

SAILTEC

Lastly, we have Sailtec‘s line of integral adjusters. Sailtec is also a reputable company on a  smaller scale. This company (like Navtec) has also been around for many, many years, proving their quality and dependability. What I like about Sailtec is that they have left their design relatively unchanged over the years which makes service parts readily available!

---

Service intervals:  all of these units need to be serviced at some point. The service intervals, like anything else, will mostly be determined by geographical location as well as wear. Navtec units are the most affordable to service followed by Sailtec and Harken, which require slightly more parts and time. Selden units are still too new to really know anything about service intervals and cost, so we’ll just have to hold out and see.

All in all, all of these products truly do an outstanding job at what they are supposed to do, tension a stay hydraulically. Not to mention these are all reputable companies that will stand behind their product 100% (within reason). That being said the decision will come down to personal preference, look, functionality, and service life. As well as of course, purchase price.

Click the links to the various manufacturers, take a look for yourself. If you need help deciding you can always give us a shout, we’d love to hear from you.

As always thanks for the read and if you have a question for us or would like us to take a look at your rigging hydraulics, leave us a comment down below……….