Mast position

[Catbuyer]

Hi All
I have been reading and trying to figure out what is the best mast position on a catamaran is it at the center line or is there a benefit with having the mast more aft from the center of the
what are the benefit with both and Down side to both ?

[tbodine88]

Seems that if the mast is behind the center line, then the wind would tend to push the boat in other directions than forward. Especially as there is considerable windage on a multihull you might find your self sailing more side ways than you'd like.

[paxfish]

It depends on many factors, not the least of which is....

[Jaredh]

I have an Amor 42' and apparently mast was installed too far back.. any advice out there?

Some say move the mast, some say turn it into a cutter with perhaps with a flying bowsprit.

I imagine I could get around moving the mast somehow.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Manateeman]

See book Principles of Yacht Design by Larsson. Post question on Boat Design .net where you will find some true experts. There are some custom builders who might advise you for a reasonable fee. Reputable designers simply are worth the money. It’s better than trial and error.
Happy trails to you.
Mark, a cat boat not catamaran manatee

[GRIT]

jaredh. Who says your mast is too far back? Have you sailed the boat and found it has too much weather helm?

The prout line of catamarans had the mast at the front of the cockpit, now that's pretty far back. Boats are now having the masts further and further back, because roller furling jibs are easier to handle than mainsails or any stripe.

Cheers, and good luck.
Paul.

[Jaredh]

Thanks for your input.. I'll check that out.

Here's a picture where you can see that the mast is behind the front of the keel.

Any others out there with suggestions?

[GRIT]

I just realized that Jaredh has hijacked the thread. Sorry about that Cat buyer.

In regards to the mast position, and benefits of further aft. Most folks find it much easier to set, reef, and douse the jib, rather than the mainsail. So, the way most cats are going now, the mainsail is getting much smaller, and the jibs are getting much larger.

Jaredh, I would suggest you start your own thread, under the "monohull" section.

Cheers.
Paul.

[Jaredh]

Will do. New here

[GRIT]

No problem. You happen to have posted in the multihull thread.

Cheers.
Paul.

[Cheechako]

Well, you need to state a problem. Too much weather helm? Why is it "too far back". Weather helm is pretty normal on a lot of boats. You can improve it, but is that the issue?

[Jaredh]

I just bought the boat and it's an Amor 40' that had the mold opened to make it a 42'. The previous owner built out the boat. He designed the interior after a Simpson design.
He said after I bought the boat that the mast might need to move forward. So I'm assuming it has weather helm. I haven't sailed it yet as I was planning on painting the topside and doing some repairs before I launch it. And the chainplates would have to be moved so to paint yada yada.

A cutter would be a preferred solution..

I got the boat for a good price.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

I did post in monohull too but if anyone has any ideas..

[Jim Cate]

I just realized that Jaredh has hijacked the thread. Sorry about that Cat buyer.

the thread that he "hijacked" had been dead for 5 years. Not a felony offense IMO.

Jim

[GRIT]

I hadn't noticed the date Jim. You bored today?
I don't think I was rude about it, do you? You think he might get more responses in the right forum?

Paul.