DaySailer.org Forum

My brother and I are in a debate as to cutting my DS 1 mast and installing a hinged plate or trying to launch (only once per year) with the mast intact. I do not have any recent experience in mast/ rigging prior to the start of a sailing season since I owned a Cape Dory Typhoon some 12 years ago. On the other hand my brother owns several boats including a Rhodes 19 which he installed "the hinge" and has little issues in the mast rigging department. What is the consensus of Day Sailer owners on this topic?

If racing is more important to you than convenience then don't cut the mast. If however the convenience of self raising and lowering/trailering is important to you, then cut it.

A second to Roger. With a tabernacle (the hinge) raising the mast is a very easy one man operation - 5 minutes, tops, including tensioning the mast jack. I do it every time I sail, so it is a necessary convenience. Also, having the mast 2 feet shorter makes it harder to hit stuff when you are trailering.

If you only have to get it up once a year, and you have help, putting a big stick in a small hole is not a big deal, (see other posts on suggestions). Be careful, though. It is much more difficult, and prone to unwanted consequences.

Dan

Ditto the above recomendations.

One idea though..... long, uncut masts are getting harder to find for those who have a hinged mast and want to upgrade for better racing preformance. You may be able to post here and work out a trade. Especially if you have one of the original tapered Proctor masts. They are often sought after as a premimum mast section. Un cut, you may be able to sell it and have money left over for a straight hinged mast.

I always cringe a bit when an uncut mast under goes hingeing.

phill

I would like to buy or trade for a one piece mast. I would pay shipping and I am willing to pay a reasonable amount to boot. Please reply!

andr-ds@cox.net

I have a one piece mast that I would like to trade for a hinged mast. It's tapered and I believe it's a Proctor. I've been unable to find a tabernacle to fit it and now believe it would be better to trade it than to cut it. I live in Morro Bay, California. A couple of small photos are in my gallery. I can send high resolution photos.

Steve

salias1 at mac.com