Can a Ketch Be Sailed without the Mizzen ?

[otherthan]

my mizzen mast is broken and was wondering if I can sail without it for a few months.

rgds

[VirtualVagabond]

Absolutely!
It's one of the benefits of a ketch. Versatility... so many options.
Going to windward in light air will be a motor sail if you're in a hurry.

[Unicorn Dreams]

Absolutely, might have a little lee helm as the CE is moved forward, just have to trim the boat differently.

[Sailmonkey]

We did for several months, in light air we couldn't keep the bow up on the wind, but all other times it's fine.

[Jim Cate]

G'Day Steve,

Of course you can... but how well it will balance depends on the specific ketch in question.

Be advised that one very often sees ketches being sailed sans mizzen sail, even though the vessel has a perfectly good mast and sail. The owners say that the mizzen adds so little to the performance of their particular boat that it isn't worth the effort to hoist and trim it.

So sure, when you get all the holes plugged, your Formosa (or whatever yours is... I can't keep all the different examples of that boat straight) will certainly be usable, so go for it until the new mast is available.

Cheers,

Jim

[otherthan]

Thanks guys this is good news as I wish to build my mizzen end of summer.

cheers

[S/V Alchemy]

You'll appreciate it once it's back on the first blowy day you sail on a reach with full mizzen and slightly furled main.

[zeehag]

jobi--yes , of course ye can-- shouldnt keep ye from sailing. is how i plan on traversing canal.

[otherthan]

as I drived back from Quebec last night...my friend said why dont you use an aluminium lantern post?? yes like the ones in the street...anyone knows if this is possible?

cause I can get ont to size for less then $400

rgds

[Roaring Girl]

Can't comment on the lamp post - but certainly you can sail without it. The PO of our boat rarely used the mizzen, whereas we use it all the time.

[Sailmonkey]

Is your mizzen missing altogether? or is it just broken?

never mind, I just saw that it's broken. How bad is the break? Some fir and epoxy will have a wood mast just like new.

[tager]

Wood masts can be quite cheap and have reasonably good performance. I have heard the lamppost suggested on here, but I have never seen one on a boat.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by tager

Wood masts can be quite cheap and have reasonably good performance. I have heard the lamppost suggested on here, but I have never seen one on a boat.

Saves buying an 'Anchor Light' as well...

[hummingway]

Can you get that in LED?

[idpnd]

Originally Posted by jobi

as I drived back from Quebec last night...my friend said why dont you use an aluminium lantern post?? yes like the ones in the street...anyone knows if this is possible?

Anything long and straight goes, apparently the legendary Frenchie Moitessier was using wooden telegraph poles on his boat(s), non-stop singlehanded that around the world 1.5 times