DaySailer.org Forum

I have a 1984 Spindrift DSI. My mast steps on top of the cuddy. There is a provision to insert two pins into the step to secure the mast. However, my old boat was a Tanzer 16 with a similar arrangement. In that case the manufacturer suggested using only the aft pin resulting in a sort of floating standing rigging system. Apparently using both pins put too much stress on either the cuddy or the mast. Are DS owners with tabernacle masts using one or both pins to secure the mast?

Vince

Vince (vincent.demperio-at-bms.com)

Vince:
I have a cuddy-mounted mast and use only the rear pin. I believe that is the recommended arrangement but I can't find the source right now. I concluded that the second pin wouldn't hold any appreciable force, especially under sail if a shroud should break. I would expect the tuning leverage of the wind on the sail to overpower the second pin hands-down. Moral of the story, don't let those shrouds fail!
That's my opinion.
Ray Gendron

Ray Gendron (rvgen-at-aol.com)

Vince:
Sorry for the typo. That is turning leverage, not tuning leverage.
Ray Gendron

Ray Gendron (rvgen-at-aol.com)

Two possible sources for the clevis pins used in the mast hinge are DWYER MASTS, and D&R MARINE,
Cape Cod Shibuilding's ZEPHYR SPARS division might also have them.

Rod Johnson (rjohnson24-at-juno.com)