Next message: delviento2: "[world-cruising] Re: boat shopping"
When I lost my rig with a deck stepped mast I was able to tie it on deck and
bring it home. Repairs were not too expensive.
In the case of the keel stepped mast I had to cut it free to stop it
wrecking the boats below decks. It messed up the bulkhead and cupboards as
it was. As the mast was mangles at deck level and then cut free I had to buy
a new mast as well as rebuild inside.
In both cases a cap shroud parted in big winds. The rigging wire was in each
case about 10 year old. and showed no sign of impending failure. The failure
was due to fatigue which does not show until too late.
Now days I always replace SS rigging after 10 years no matter what it looks
like. Even when the boats just sitting at its moorings the rigging is still
working (vibrating) due to wind. I have also lost a mast due to a chain
plate pulling out. Three masts in 40 years sailing.
Even so if bought a boat with a keel stepped mast I would not change it and
it would not be the major decider in may boat choice.
Barry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeff Stander" <>
To: <>
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 6:33 AM
Subject: [world-cruising] Re: boat shopping
> The main point of having a keel stepped mast is that the mast is
> stiffer. Try holding a single piece of (uncooked) spaghetti at one
> end between your thumb and forfinger. Have someone else wiggle it
> from the other end. Now try the same experiment by pinching it at
> one and and a couple of inches furthur along. It is significantly
> stiffer.
>
> So, keel-stepped masts are stiffer, can use lighter rigging, and
> areusually stronger. My preference is for keel-stepped masts. My
> opinion is that many boats have deck-stepped masts as a concession to
> below-decks interior design.
>
> The water ingress can be dealt with. As for rig loss? Well, I am
> not making my decisions on the easiest rig to deal with in a
> disaster. If the rig goes it's going to be a mess anyway.
>
> Regards
>
> Jeff
> s/v Beatrix (KP44 #276 1980)
> www.svbeatrix.com
>
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> Yahoo! Groups Links
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