Not so straight mast and its wood

  • April 01, 2013 11:07 AM
    Message # 1256344
    Deleted user
    I sighted up the mast last week and quickly noticed the metal track that the main rides on is not straight. Is this a big deal? I just want to sail and now my mast is crooked I feel like my boat hates me! 

    If I tune the rigging can this straighten out the mast?
  • April 02, 2013 9:29 AM
    Reply # 1257352 on 1256344

    Ahoy Micheal,

    Yes, tuning the rig should straighten the mast.  The sail track may be off center a bit here and there but I have never seen one out of line very far.  There are many wrong ways to tune a rig.  When finished, the mast should be straight from side to side, but not fore and aft.  The final tune should leave a slight "bow foreward" shape.  That is, about 3/4 inch curvature in the mast with the forward edge protruding more forward.

     

    Good Luck,     Dave

  • April 02, 2013 9:33 AM
    Reply # 1257359 on 1256344

    Michael,

    The short "positive outlook" answer is yes, you can likely straighten it out by adjusting the standing rigging.  This assumes that there is not a structural issue with the mast itself. 

    You will need to determine where it is out of shape first before you start adjusting things.  There are many written articles and books on mast straightening/support.  Your lower shrouds (fore and aft lowers) control the mid section of your mast.  The uppers and fore and aft stays control the shape of the top of the mast.  If tightened too much the uppers can force a compression bow into the mid section of the mast.  Your staysail stay can produce a forward bow into the mast, your running backstays are there to counter that.

    If your bend is at mid mast, try loosening the lower shrouds a little on the side the mast is bending towards, then have a look to see if the mast straightens up.  If the bend is above the spreaders try adjusting the upper shrouds a little.

    Kevin

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