WOULD YOU?????

[windthief]

Would anyone consider taking a deck step masted boat on an extended cruise? Some thing like a tradewinds circumnavigation or Atlantic crossing through the canal to the West coast of the U.S.A. Why or why not.

[Pelagic]

Many have circumnavigated as has my schooner with both masts stepped on deck…… Not an issue if built and rigged properly and no deck leaks

[ssullivan]

Originally Posted by windthief

Would anyone consider taking a deck step masted boat on an extended cruise? Some thing like a tradewinds circumnavigation or Atlantic crossing through the canal to the West coast of the U.S.A. Why or why not.

May not count, since mine's a multi, but my boat has already crossed the Atlantic and done many years of Caribbean cruising with its deck-stepped mast.

Yes, I'd do it with her again.

[Alan Wheeler]

There is little difference safety wise. If the rig goes, it will fold part way up, not fall over from the deck. The big advantage to deck stepped is that you have no hole to seal from water. Through deck can be a pain and require a boot to maintain a good seal.

[Talbot]

Some deck stepped boats are not sufficiently reinforced for the mast loads, but for a well designed boat, there are no problems.

[Mahana]

Originally Posted by Talbot

Some deck stepped boats are not sufficiently reinforced for the mast loads, but for a well designed boat, there are no problems.

Pearson Tritons have deck-stepped masts and have made many ocean crossings. It is not uncommon for owners to add an oak reinforcing beam under the mast. You can also design a compression post between the keel and mast step- especially on boats wider abeam than a Triton.

[44'cruisingcat]

I'd bet the majority of boats cruising these days have deck stepped masts.

I seem to remember one of the boats that had to be abandoned during the fatal Sydney-Hobart was sinking because the keel stepped mast had come down, and had ripped away a huge hole in the coachroof. Losing a deck stepped mast would likely have done far less damage.

[imagine2frolic]

I wouldn't worry about a leaky mast through the deck. That is what products like Spar-Tite are for. Like monos, and cats there are pluses, and minuses to the mast question. A good survey will answer your questions on an individual boat.

[AnchorageGuy]

have a look at our web site and get an idea of what this deck stepped mast has been through.

[bobnlesley]

Yes; no qualms whatsoever.

I have every intention of it. In fact, I am sick to death of dealing with leaks around the mast. For years I bought into the idea that keel stepped was stronger, and was the way to go for blue water, but looking at how our trimaran is engineered to support the deck stepped mast, and considering how the rig is designed to support the forces, I am satisfied that there is no reason not to go with deck steped.
Tristan Jones, in one of his books points out the advantages of having a deck stepped mast in Europe. It opens up a number of cruising grounds when you can unstep the mast and set it on deck.

[Talbot]

Whilst I do agree about the advantages here, I would be very carefull about using Tristan Jones as an authority. I do enjoy his books, but understand that he never let facts get in the way of improving the flow of his story!

Very true, his facts are suspect, but his opinions are valuable.

[Pelagic]

Originally Posted by Talbot

Whilst I do agree about the advantages here, I would be very carefull about using Tristan Jones as an authority. I do enjoy his books, but understand that he never let facts get in the way of improving the flow of his story!

Are you suggesting that Tristan didn’t have a leg to stand on? ……….. (me bad!)..

[windthief]

Thank you all very much. I didn't expect this many posative responses and cases of point.