Tom, Using the diameter gauge that came with my Loos gauge, my backstay measures 1/8, which is the same as all 4 side stays. The forestay measures 5/32. Whether they're the originals I don't know, and mine is a 1977 model. Rich Makela M-17 #233 - Harmony -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Tom Jenkins Sent: Monday, July 04, 2011 4:07 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: M17 backstay Hi gang, I am having a time getting the backstay wire diameter on my M17 '04 model; my dial calipers say just over 1/8, but not definitively 5/32? (actually the reading is about 9/64). Anybody have the true figure? The thread size on the swaging appears to be 1/4". Thanks, Tom Jenkins M17 Scintilla _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats When posting, remember that there is no privacy on the Internet!