[MHml] mast rake

[Dan Frenette]

There are some real advantages to using stock rigging parts. Getting a 
rotator off of an R33 or better yet off an F31 (if they aren't the same 
or inter changeable part) will mean if you can get another one if 
something happens like you wear it out or ... If you shorten the boom 
then you maybe able to use the stock diamonds etc.

If you want mast kit talk to Mike Leneman (mleneman at earthlink.net) about 
a modified F31 kit. He has also put kits together for R33 if memory 
serves. So he would know more about the details of what works and what 
doesn't.

I thought you had a taller mast. An F31 mast would be a more powerful 
rig than you have now. The R33 if I recall is about 46' vs the F31 at 
about 42'. The F31L's or R depending on who is telling the story has 
some taller masts. Mike gets this in a standard extrusion length and 
cuts a number of feet off it. We are talking aluminum here right?

Mike really brought home the message that reducing weight through the 
line stays with aluminum mast is the most bang for the buck. You can't 
use this for diamonds. You REALLY want wire here. Also having used a 
forestay of line vs cable I went back to cable and hanks. The PVC slip 
in feeders can be unwarped to get a reasonable shape but they still 
resist bend enough in light air to where I can't tell a speed difference 
so when in doubt go with rock solid lower cost. The weight I think is 
lighter with Stainless and hanks as the PVC adds quite a bit but there 
are some major differences there as well. This is a high wear area. The 
joints on the guide are likely point of failure. Even kevlar line won't 
like this.

I think you found a real deal here. Even if the diamonds etc aren't part 
of the deal. Going 3' taller if you don't raze the spinacher height 
isn't going to be a big deal. Just reef when the wind picks up.

Dan Frenette


Larry Forgy wrote:
> Roger,
> 
> Actually, the owner of the R33 agreed to an even swap or the two masts.  
> He is a friend, insurance paid for a new mast, and the old one was lying 
> in his yard.  I don't think he has any real plans for the mast beyond 
> possibly using it for a flagpole.  Besides the tube itself, I bought all 
> new standing rigging when I bought the boat last year.  That's now 
> surplus as well.