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Old 19-04-2012, 17:38   #1
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Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Hi All...

Probably a really dumb question, but if your boat had a 70' mast and you wanted to be able to move up and down the East Coast USA ICW... and you needed to buy a new mail sail anyways... could you have 6 feet cut off the bottom of the mast? Just relocate the Boom etc... does anyone ever do this?

I assume you would cut the bottom but maybe it would be easier to cut the top ??

Or do they just try to sell the 70' Mast and buy a new shorter one ?

I understand I would be giving up sail area but figure in good wind it won't matter and in light winds I would just be motor sailing anyways...

Thoughts ?
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Old 19-04-2012, 17:50   #2
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http://www.break.com/index/how-to-ge...bridge-2158403

Save yourself the cash and hassle and try this instead - seen this done on a few occasions, though not on the ICW
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Old 19-04-2012, 17:51   #3
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Quote:
Originally Posted by capcook View Post
I understand I would be giving up sail area but figure in good wind it won't matter and in light winds I would just be motor sailing anyways...

Thoughts ?
Yes, you'll end up motoring in light winds anyways, but once you shorten the mast you'll probably be motoring in medium winds as well. Don't forget that the best breeze is the one furthest from the water.

The nice thing about having a boat with a big stick is that you're no longer needing to resort to the ICW. Get out there on the big water and blast to wherever you're heading.
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Old 19-04-2012, 17:58   #4
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Don't ruin your boat's performance and value. If you really want to do this you should consult a pro rigger, but maybe you'd be happier if you sail outside or get a power boat.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:00   #5
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The nice thing about having a boat with a big stick is that you're no longer needing to resort to the ICW. Get out there on the big water and blast to wherever you're heading.
Amen to that!

Incidentally, I met up with RainDog on Tuesday he mentioned that the biggest complaint he's heard about the ICW is that people feel like they're just motoring in an endless ditch!

If you're setup for open water, just go!
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:05   #6
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Probably a bad idea but perhaps a smaller boat? I just thought I would throw the idea out there.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:09   #7
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

CapCook...there is no such thing as a dumb question. Just questions.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:22   #8
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

dont they have mobile cranes in america,in europe when navigating the 150,000 miles of canals yachts just unstep the mast and lay it on deck....................
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:28   #9
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Occassionaly a boat comes up for sale where this has already been done and these boats always take a loooooooooooong time to sell. People just don't want a boat that has been made slower. Ever.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:33   #10
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

Maybe cut the mast but get a sail with full battens and a large roach? Just an idea.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:43   #11
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

*typing application for telescoping mast patent*


Nick.
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Old 19-04-2012, 18:50   #12
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*typing application for telescoping mast patent*


Nick.
You could go for one of the Wherry designs from Norfolk, England which have the pivoting mast: the base has a pivot pin and the whole bottom of the mast contains counter-ballast so you can pull the whole mast down while running at a bridge then simply let it swing back up when you're under!
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Old 19-04-2012, 19:04   #13
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

I had a 37 foot Vandestat design that the builder cut 13 inches off of the mast because he screwed up and ordered the rigging a foot short. The boat never sailed very well and always had lee helm. I would not recommend modifying any rig from a reputable designer. 2 cents worth_____Grant.
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Old 19-04-2012, 19:12   #14
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

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*typing application for telescoping mast patent*


Nick.
I was expecting a zip on/off roach.
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Old 19-04-2012, 19:14   #15
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Re: Possible to cut 6ft off a mast ??

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I was expecting a zip on/off roach.
Nah. Inflatable roach works better.
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