|
|
13-11-2010, 17:14
|
#1
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southbound, NY
Boat: TBD
Posts: 20
|
Keel-Stepped vs Deck-Stepped . . .
Good day folks and be gentle with the new guy...
Old sailor for many years past though mostly in smaller <26' craft. I have been reading my a$$ off on this fine site as you might imagine.
It's time to consider taking the plunge (sorry) and going for the 32-38 foot cruising vessel (sail of course).
I've noticed some are deck stepped masts. This seems absurd to me, is that even a reasonable idea? I've not even considered a NON-keel stepped mast, why would I?
I have noticed in a LOT of photographs that there appear to be a piece of 'pipe' that runs from cabin ceiling to the cabin sole. Is THAT the 'bracing' for the deck stepped mast in an attempt to make it sound?
OR, on the other hand, would I be completely out to lunch here?
As you might imagine, I shall appreciate any and all thoughts, opinions, credentials, and well, you get the idea.
Jim
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 17:30
|
#3
|
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Philippines in the winters
Boat: It’s in French Polynesia now
Posts: 11,368
|
There are advantages and disadvantages to both set-ups.
Go to the search and type in stepped mast. This subject has been on here may times, to length.
__________________
Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend, but the Kisses of the Enemy are Deceitful! ........
The measure of a man is how he navigates to a proper shore in the midst of a storm!
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 17:43
|
#4
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Lakewood Ranch, FLORIDA
Boat: Alden 50, Sarasota, Florida
Posts: 3,464
|
Many high-end (read very expensive) boats have deck stepped masts. It all depends on design so don't make any rash judgments as they are usually wrong. There are far more important considerations to purchasing a boat than the mast step/keel step type.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 17:43
|
#5
|
Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Endeavour 42CC
Posts: 1,182
|
Is anybody building a keel stepped boat any more?
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 17:55
|
#6
|
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Toronto
Boat: CS36Merlin, "La Belle Aurore"
Posts: 7,557
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by gettinthere
Is anybody building a keel stepped boat any more?
|
Yes, Beneteau for one.
__________________
Rick I
Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 19:26
|
#7
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Paradise (better known to most people as: Philippines)
Boat: 65' Custom Steel Ketch
Posts: 322
|
Have often wondered why steel boats especially don't use deck-stepped masts exclusively. The supporting frames wouldn't be that expensive, compared to the extra length of mast.
Have also wondered why Cor-Ten steel isn't used for masts on boats. Is it simply unavailable in oblong tube form?
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 19:34
|
#8
|
Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southern California
Boat: Fareast, Mariner 40'
Posts: 177
|
One advantage a a deck stepped mast (in theory anyway) is if you get dismasted in a knock-down you are less likely to loose your deck/house.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 19:42
|
#9
|
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,959
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by NotQuiteLost
Have also wondered why Cor-Ten steel isn't used for masts on boats. Is it simply unavailable in oblong tube form?
|
Same reason it is not used to build aircraft: weight/strength
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 20:22
|
#10
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home port Kemah, TX Currently in Brunswick Georgia
Boat: Hunter 36
Posts: 1,524
|
I just did the Harvest moon Regatta on a Pacific Seacraft 37 (deck stepped btw) and we had some near gale force winds heading down the coast. Here is a boat that had a problem with a keel stepped mast - Massive mast failure in Galveston to Port Aransas Race | North American Sailor
Not sure if it has been determined what the actual cause for the failure was, but it sure is ugly!
I can't comment on which is best, if one is or not, but your standing rigging is your friend. Oh, and the compression post if deck stepped.
Aren't most catamarans deck stepped?
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 20:59
|
#11
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cruising NC, FL, Bahamas, TCI & VIs
Boat: 1964 Pearson Ariel 'Faith' / Pearson 424, sv Emerald Tide
Posts: 1,531
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by delmarrey
There are advantages and disadvantages to both set-ups.
Go to the search and type in stepped mast. This subject has been on here may times, to length.
|
Absolutely. Many fine ships have one of the other... every boat, and every system on a boat reflects a series of compromises... best to look for the 'system' (entire package) that works best for you.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 21:12
|
#12
|
Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Carlsbad, CA
Boat: 1976 Sabre 28-2
Posts: 7,505
|
A keel stepped mast can use thinner wall, smaller dimension, lighter tubing specs and/or narrower shroud angles. Primarily a concern for racing types. A deck stepped mast is theoretically stronger because it is supported at the keel step and deck partners as well as the lower and cap shrouds. Not really a factor in a cruising boat, however.
One thing I really don't like about keel stepped masts is the amount of water that gets below from the stick. Have only owned one keel stepped mast and never again.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 21:15
|
#13
|
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Bellingham WA
Boat: 17' faering Ironblood, building 34' schooner Javelin
Posts: 305
|
I have sailed off shore in both types [deck and keel stepped]. Like many things in boats, a lot of what is there in your boat depends on what you like and what makes you warm and fuzzy. My boats have all been keel stepped [and no, there was never water running down the mast into the boat because the making of mast collars/coats is gut simple]. Before I started building again, I looked at a lot of boats, considering buying because many were relatively cheap. Deck stepped with good support and rigging did not deter me, and I am a raging traditionalist.
|
|
|
13-11-2010, 22:33
|
#14
|
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NSW Australia
Boat: Traditional 30
Posts: 1,980
|
The compression post takes the load of the deck stepped mast. All the compression loads are still transferred to the keel. So yes its needed. And it works- hence most modern boats are now designed this way.
IMHO I dont see the need for a keel stepped mast at all. They leak water either internally or through the boot and are an extra cost at purchase and a hassle when lifting the mast off for service.
Some race boats used to use Keel stepped with hydrolics attached to promote bend and rig tension. (too much hassle for not enough gain for a cruiser though) In a cruising boat I see no reason at all to have a keel stepped mast. A smaller unobtrusive stainless pipe looks a lot better than an aluminium spar cutting the view of the cabin in half.
Cheers
Oz
|
|
|
14-11-2010, 00:08
|
#15
|
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Paradise (better known to most people as: Philippines)
Boat: 65' Custom Steel Ketch
Posts: 322
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by daddle
Same reason it is not used to build aircraft: weight/strength
|
But on larger, heavier cruising boat weight aloft can be a plus for stability. Also, there's no fatigue in steel like there is in aluminum, meaning if it was kept dry and electrically insulated, a cor-ten mast could theoretically be permanent(?). Aluminum is the most balanced material for ease of use, available expertise and familiarity and comfort, nobody would argue otherwise. But there seems to be an opening for corrosion-resistant steel in a limited segment of the marketplace (larger, heavier boats). Just seems that way to me. And with industries like yachting, things are awfully slow to change.
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Rate This Thread |
Linear Mode
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Advertise Here
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vendor Spotlight |
|
|
|