Mast winch pads - Selden vs Sparcraft

[steve77]

We are in the process of replacing our mast, and will most probably get a Sparcraft S1630 mast section. This section is almost identical to the Isomat NG105 section that we had previously.

In comparing masts, I saw that Selden designs their winch pads with a 5 degree angle to help prevent over rides. Sparcraft does not do this, and their pads are designed for the winch to be perpendicular to the mast.

The 5 degree angle seems to me like a good idea. I am considering ordering the Sparcraft mast without winch pads, and then buying the Selden pads separately.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

Cheers!

Steve

[Scott Berg]

I prefer an angled winch pad and make mine that way (easy to weld up one if you can't find one to fit; any machine/welding shop can do the work for you

[roverhi]

Have never had an angled mast winch pad and never had an override in more than 50 years of sailing. With internal halyards, the lead will always be the required downward angle. Suppose you could get an override with external halyards but it never happened to me. If the Isomat winch pads will fit without any hassles no reason not to use them, however.

[steve77]

The only time I have had issues is when pulling someone up the mast. If my wife is cranking and I am trying to help by standing on spreaders or such, then the slack halyard tends to get overrides. We haven't had any issues while hoisting sails, but only when the halyard goes slack.

The 5 degree angle seemed it may help alleviate this.

Steve