mast length and boom clearance

[navahoIII]

Hello Everyone,

Our old DSI, which we bought last summer and have not sailed yet, has a 21' 11" mast . The specs indicate a 22' 6" length between the mast top (without the fitting) and the cuddy top (where the mast is stepped). The specs allow for a "maximum" clearance of 24" between the cuddy top and the bottom edge of the boom. These are class specs for racing.

We will not be racing her, and our boom clearance is seven inches less than 24", that is -- 17" max. I am 6' tall and while sitting in the cockpit I reckoned that the boom's bottom edge came to about the top of my head, sitting more or less erect. Visibility appears adequate, even without ducking.

Does having less boom clearance present a problem, that I am not anticipating, as far as how she sails? Visibility seem okay?

Thanks.

[algonquin]

Less boom clearance will bring the major working portion of the main sail lower and probably add some to the stability when in moderate or higher winds. Usually you can accomplish the same thing by reefing the main.

Check to see that your main sail is going all the way to the top of the mast. You may have a few more inches of adjustment left in which the boom could be raised some. Sounds like someone shortened the mast some when they installed the tabernacle. Brad

[navahoIII]

Thanks, Brad, if it adds more stability then I am all for it! I think the main would go right to the top -- why wouldn't it as long as the slot is clear?


I won't know until the sails (which I am about to order) arrive. D & R Marine looks to have the best combination price around. They can probably tell me the length of the luff, but I think it's about 20' 6"...

Thanks, again.

[calden]

navahoIII:

Don't be shy about asking Rudy at D&R about the boom clearance, too. He knows everything about these boats.

Carlos

[Phill]

A 6 time NA Champion sails with less than the max 24". About 21".
A 4 time NA Champion sails with 20".

Max cuddy to boom is not necessay for top preformance and it is a bit more stable.
Visability should not be a problem, as long as you sail with your eyes open

I think my original mast was the same as yours about 17-18" from cuddy to top of boom. Just remember to set up the boom for the max 20' 6" luff length from the highest you can hoist the very top of the sail to the top edge of the boom, bottom edge of the mainsail luff.

Happy sailing.

[navahoIII]

Thanks, calden and Phill.