diff --git a/xwords4/relay/dbmgr.cpp b/xwords4/relay/dbmgr.cpp
index 75246fef1..71014f8e3 100644
--- a/xwords4/relay/dbmgr.cpp
+++ b/xwords4/relay/dbmgr.cpp
@@ -62,8 +62,9 @@ DBMgr::Get()
 
 DBMgr::DBMgr()
 {
-    logf( XW_LOGINFO, "%s called", __func__ );
-    m_useB64 = false;
+    int tmp;
+    RelayConfigs::GetConfigs()->GetValueFor( "USE_B64", &tmp );
+    m_useB64 = tmp != 0;
 
     pthread_key_create( &m_conn_key, destr_function );
 
diff --git a/xwords4/relay/xwrelay.conf_tmplate b/xwords4/relay/xwrelay.conf_tmplate
index 27d79ec06..66d455a6b 100644
--- a/xwords4/relay/xwrelay.conf_tmplate
+++ b/xwords4/relay/xwrelay.conf_tmplate
@@ -63,3 +63,8 @@ LOGFILE_PATH=./xwrelay.log
 # Delay sending packets so devices/emulators on the same machine as
 # relay have a bit more natural experience
 # SEND_DELAY_MILLIS=500
+
+# Use base64 encoding rather than PQescapeByteaConn for stored
+# messages.  The latter doesn't seem as reliable with newer psql
+# servers.  Anything but 0 is treated as true.
+USE_B64=1