Why si my boat Listing to port when mast stepped

SteveW1

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Today I stepped the mast on my GibSea 242 for the first time.

Unfortunatly, the boat listed to port when the mast was stepped.
The boat was perfectly level before the mast was raised, and the mast looks square to the boat.

Any advice will be gratefully accepted.

Cheers Steve

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jimi

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was it perhaps the windage on the mast? Also check by the mast is straight by using a halyard to check length is equidistant on both sides.

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AndrewB

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If the yacht was bolt upright before, you have installed the mast perfectly symettrically, and the hull is quite symettrical, then it is against the laws of physics for it to be floating at a list now.

However, adding the mast raises the centre of gravity relative to the centre of buoyancy and will increase any existing tendancy to list, slightly. More importantly, it gives the eye a vertical against which to judge the list, and makes it far more noticeable.

Jimi's probably right that its just a little windage. In any case, check around your marina, you'll find most yachts list slightly. It makes no significant difference to sailing qualities. If you are really bothered, move your batteries and heavy stowage. What not to do is muck about with the permanent ballast, as this will present an immediate question-mark to a future prospective buyer.

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claymore

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If you are complying with the SOLAS stuff and have fitted a radar reflector that might be off centre

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G

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Secure main halyard. Take end of halyard to place on one quarter (eg a fitting); then take it to other quarter at same fitting. If same, head of mast is centred. Set up rigging to best look. Sail boat in light but firm breeze and lee rigging will go slack; look up mast to see if straight. Adjust any 'bumps'; go to other tack. Repeat this procedure. Possible use rigging gauge if available (on mooring).
Is heel different on different tacks?

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vyv_cox

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But don't assume that the fittings are in exactly the same place. Much better to measure from the mast step first to make sure. Using a halyard as a measure is a little hit-or-miss when looking for small measurements. A steel tape is a lot more accurate but nearly impossible in a breeze.

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claymore

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OR...

Leave it be and remember to moor with the list so that you lean into harbour walls and jetties when drying out.

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vyv_cox

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Re: OR...

Yes, can be useful. Our Sadler 34 is a little more complex. Broadly speaking, all the kit is on the port side and all the fresh water is tanked to starboard. We are pretty much upright with a full water tank but heel about 3 degrees to port with it empty.

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bob_tyler

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Re: OR...

Surely in your case a tank full of Islay Malt wouldn't last long and both you and the boat would have a permanent list!

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