This is not an original idea with me. I have seen it recommended in a couple
of articles/books on deep water sailing/boats. There is no disputing the
math, although other factors do come into it.

BS

"Mac" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 27 Oct 2005 16:22:26 -0700, Robert or Karen Swarts wrote:

Let us suppose the mast is 4" in diameter and 25 ft long, stepped 4 ft
above
waterline. The weight of water it displaces is 138 lb. Let us suppose
half
if that is the weight of the mast. That leaves 69 lb positive buoyancy.
The
center of buoyancy of the mast is about 16 ft above waterline. That will
create a righting moment of about 1100 ft lb when the boat is flat on the
water. That is not inconsequential, and could be a large help in
preventing
a total capsize.

BS

[snip]

This all seems very doubtful. I am not sure if you understand how dynamic
the sea-state is in conditions likely to cause a knockdown in the first
place.

Maybe you should ask a real naval architect (marine engineer) about
this. I think it is a very bad idea which you will regret if you do it,
but I am not an expert.

--Mac