wrote:

I just got a new boat this season. I am getting warm about storing the
boat with its mast up for the north-eastern Canadian winter. I am not all
convince yet that it a good thing to do.

SFWIW

Kept a 30 ft sloop on the South Shore of Lake Erie for many years

Every year, unstepped the mast and used it as a ridge pole for the canvas
used to cover the boat..

Used some construction grade lumber and some plywood to make supports for
the mast.

One was located in the cockpit, the other on the foredeck.

Used 3/8, 3 strand nylon to lash them in place, and an artifical turf mat
under the feet to protect the glass.

They went with the boat when I sold it.

YMMV


Lew