Next message: sailingnanc: "[world-cruising] Re: cabin stepped mast"
On Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:08:09 -0400, you wrote:
>On 7/17/07, Peter Ogilvie <> wrote:
>>
>> In theory, deck stepped masts have slightly less
>> rigidity than a keel stepped mast. In actuality,
>> slightly wider shroud angles and possibly, not
>> probably, a slightly more robust stick extrusion might
>> be needed. It's not enough of a difference to be of
>> any consequence in performance except to the most anal
>> racer types.
>
>
>Actually, it's more than theory. Keel-stepped masts are - in fact -
>stronger than deck-stepped. But, as Peter points out, the deficiency can be
>made up by by beefing up the standing rigging or the mast itself. I've
>owned my boat for almost 20 years without a leak from the partners, but I
>suppose the "inevitable problem" will happen some day [grin]. And, like
>99.9% of the sailors out there, I've never rolled - nor do I expect to - so
>I have yet to realize gaping holes in my cabin. I do have a friend who
>survived three days in a liferaft after his boat rolled and sank within 30
>seconds - deck-stepped mast and all. Stuff happens out there.
The people that I know of with keel stepped masts who have suffered a
demasting didn't have gaping holes in the cabin but have been left
with a stump of the mast. At least one of them that I know of,
reconfigured the mast - cutting off the old mast at the deck and
stepping a new mast on top of it.
>
>From my perspective, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Most
>sailors have very strong opinions (!) but either can and will work
>satisfactorily on a cruising sailboat. Get the boat you love, and don't
>look back.
