by Guest » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:17 pm
Use the search function to find posts on "mast stepping" and "tabernacle". You'll find that most of us that singlehand have had our masts cut at a point slightly (3" or so) above the cuddy roof, and then installed a tabernacle (a sort of hinge) between the two sections. This allows the lower portion to stay permanently installed and poking up through the roof, and the top portion easily hinged and "walked up" to a standing position when ready to rig. Overcome the gut-wrenching fear of cutting your mast (measure twice, cut once!) and you'll be a happy sailor. Last suggestion: call Rudy at D&R Marine (link is listed on this site) and he'll sell you a tabernacle that will fit; you might also take this opportunity to upgrade the standing rigging to 3/16".
Tom (tom.beames-at-wachovia.com)