Mast Set Up - Mast Leans Forward

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gavin400

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My mast (deck stepped, mast head rig) has been re-stepped after re-building the mast step, and the mast is now leaning forward slightly - is this a problem?

The mast step is tapered (level at rear is higher than level at front), and the bottom of the mast is also tapered so the two surfaces are fully in contact - i.e. there is no pivot point to enable the mast to be 'plumbed up' to the vertical by means of adjusting the rigging.

Is it Ok to leave the mast as it is, or do I need to introduce some packers below the forward end of the mast base in order to make it vertical?

Many thanks.

Gavin
 
What sort of boat ?

Is the mast definitely raked forward - remember on smaller cruisers - anything much under 30' - she will be designed to settle with stern high, to allow correct trim when crew weight is in the cockpit - would that be it ?

Presumably the standing rigging hasn't been changed ?
 
Seajet said:
What sort of boat ?

Is the mast definitely raked forward - remember on smaller cruisers - anything much under 30' - she will be designed to settle with stern high, to allow correct trim when crew weight is in the cockpit - would that be it ?

Presumably the standing rigging hasn't been changed ?
Click to expand...


Arden 4 24ft, standing rigging has not been changed - so could well be to allow for crew weight.

Many thanks.

Gavin
 
Mine is raked forward when I'm off the boat. The point at the bottom of the transom sits around 3" from the water, if I lean over the stern the point is around 1/2" under. I haven't worked out the effect on the mast, but obviously will have an effect. I actually raked mine forward in an attempt to reduce weather helm.
(I presume your boat is afloat?!)
 
I'd be wary of settling for that.

Was it raked forward before?

Look at any mooring site with lots of boats on it. How many have forward-raking masts?
I have a friend with a mast with a very slight forward rake, due to the rigging being a bit mismatched. It stands out like a sore thumb on his moorings.

His boat is 19ft and I've never seen another of that model like that.

Having said that, the angle of the mast foot won't effect the setting of the rigging. If the rigging is set to put the mast vertical or raked back the foot will just lift from the shoe at the forward end.
 
Mast Rake

As said small boats are designed to be level in pitch with a crew. Further if you have a swing mooring and there is any weight on the bow this will pull the bow down so exacerbate the apparent forward rake.
You need to get someone to take a photo of the boat when you are sailing or at least get an outside observer to check mast rake.
As said I don't believe actual mast rake will significantly affect the seating at the base. You can do the maths but a 10cm rake of the 6m mast will lift the front edge of the mast (8cms front to back) base by just a little. So don't worry about it. It will have been the slope of the cabin top that required the wedge shaped base. If you want to make the mast rake aft just add a toggle or shackle in the forestay or loosen the turnscrew if it has one. good luck olewill
 
William_H said:
As said I don't believe actual mast rake will significantly affect the seating at the base. You can do the maths but a 10cm rake of the 6m mast will lift the front edge of the mast (8cms front to back) base by just a little.
Click to expand...
---too big for it ,i think!;)
38.gif
 
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