On 8 Apr 2004 09:52:55 -0700, (Parallax) wrote:

I have heard ppl say they would only have a keel stepped mast on an
offshore boat. Why? A well built deck stepped mast is as strong as a
keel stepped one and easier to put up or down. If either loses a
stay, it is coming down in a hurry? I fail to see the reason for this
odd preference.

I used to be of the school that favored keel-stepped masts as be more
sound.

Some things that have changed my mind.

Pacific Seacraft builds very strong boats with deck-stepped masts, as
do some other builders.

I have heard stories, uncorroborated, of keel-stepped masts carrying
away the coach roof during dismasting.

There are probably well and poorly designed keel and deck stepped
masts. A good solid step and a well engineered compression post are
necessary on a deck-stepped mast.

Jack

__________________________________________________
Jack Dale
Swiftsure Sailing Academy
Director
ISPA and CYA Instructor
http://www.swiftsuresailing.com
Phone: 1 (877) 470-SAIL (toll free)
__________________________________________________

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 19:14:39 GMT, Jack Dale
wrote:

I have heard stories, uncorroborated, of keel-stepped masts carrying
away the coach roof during dismasting.
===========================================

That can happen, and also the interior can be trashed by the mast butt
whipping around below decks. For that reason, it's very important
(and required by the ORC regs), that the mast butt be mechanically
fastened to the mast step in a secure manner.

I've had some personal experience with this issue since my old Cal-34
started out as deck stepped. As others have pointed out, almost any
kind of rigging failure with a deck stepped mast results in a total
dismasting with the entire rig in the water trying to hole the boat.
Been there, done that, and it's ugly. When I went to re-rig the boat
we did a lot of research. Ben Hall personally told me that keel
stepped masts are about 25% stronger than a comparable deck stepped
mast because of the extra support at the deck. Ben has engineered and
built a lot of masts and should know.

Personally, I would never go offshore again with a deck stepped mast.

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 19:14:39 GMT, Jack Dale
wrote:

I have heard stories, uncorroborated, of keel-stepped masts carrying
away the coach roof during dismasting.
===========================================

That can happen, and also the interior can be trashed by the mast butt
whipping around below decks. For that reason, it's very important
(and required by the ORC regs), that the mast butt be mechanically
fastened to the mast step in a secure manner.

I've had some personal experience with this issue since my old Cal-34
started out as deck stepped. As others have pointed out, almost any
kind of rigging failure with a deck stepped mast results in a total
dismasting with the entire rig in the water trying to hole the boat.
Been there, done that, and it's ugly. When I went to re-rig the boat
we did a lot of research. Ben Hall personally told me that keel
stepped masts are about 25% stronger than a comparable deck stepped
mast because of the extra support at the deck. Ben has engineered and
built a lot of masts and should know.

Personally, I would never go offshore again with a deck stepped mast.

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 19:14:39 GMT, Jack Dale
wrote:

I have heard stories, uncorroborated, of keel-stepped masts carrying
away the coach roof during dismasting.

Me, too. But if the choice is a big hole in the roof or a big hole at
the waterline....G

There are probably well and poorly designed keel and deck stepped
masts. A good solid step and a well engineered compression post are
necessary on a deck-stepped mast.

Absolutely. This is key in anything, and from what I've seen of them,
I wouldn't sneer at a Pacific Seacraft for a second. I simply indicate
a slight personal preference that, if not met, would in no sense be a
deal breaker.

Of course, I always like stowing stuff in hammocks secured to the
keel-stepped mast, too...G

R.

On Thu, 08 Apr 2004 19:14:39 GMT, Jack Dale
wrote:

I have heard stories, uncorroborated, of keel-stepped masts carrying
away the coach roof during dismasting.

Me, too. But if the choice is a big hole in the roof or a big hole at
the waterline....G

There are probably well and poorly designed keel and deck stepped
masts. A good solid step and a well engineered compression post are
necessary on a deck-stepped mast.

Absolutely. This is key in anything, and from what I've seen of them,
I wouldn't sneer at a Pacific Seacraft for a second. I simply indicate
a slight personal preference that, if not met, would in no sense be a
deal breaker.

Of course, I always like stowing stuff in hammocks secured to the
keel-stepped mast, too...G

R.