30'us yacht mast rake

[RON SLOAN]

My Mast rake on my boat is far to much.From the top of the mast to boom is 16" offset(should be 5"offset)Need help with the math. Assuming the mast is 32'from the Mast head to the boom.And the actual offset is 16"rake :should be a 5"rake.How much do I have to cut off the forestay to achieve my goal of having a 5" rake.I do not have a turnbuckle so I need the actual amount to cut off.

 

[David Stone]

The easiest way

Is probably to take a halyard forward to act as an adjustable forestay, disconnect the forestay, adjust all the rigging to position the mast where you want it, mark the forestay & cut it.But first,1) Why are you changing the rake? Does the boat not balance properly? Too much weather helm? If the only problem is that the numbers don't add up, I wouldn't change anything. Also, check the upper shrouds. Assuming you don't have swept back spreaders, stand on the dock sighting from your upper shroud chainplate through the fore & aft center of the mast. The shroud should run up the center of the mast, over the spreader tip (also center of mast) to the upper tang. It should be a straight line.2) If its not deck stepped, is there room at the partners to change the rake that much? You may have to relocate the mast step if keel stepped.

 

[RON SLOAN]

mast Rake

Thanks for your input Dave. My problem is the forestay is to slack. I don't have a turnbuckle to tighten it .It's a furlex furling. You see I have a problem with the boat not being able to point well. I would normally go up the mast but I just epoxy painted it and I want to give it a goodly time to cure. I just thought if somebody new the math I could adjust the mast without going up. Again thanks for your input Regards Ron

 

[Wanderer138]

Before you cut your forestay...

OK, so according to the numbers, you have too much rake and you've diagnosed the problem correctly. However, before you cut the forestay, here are a couple of things to consider:Is the rake really 16". If the boat is stern-heavy, a weight hanging from the halyard will be further back on the boom than it should be.Is the sailing performance of your boat really being affected? If so, is there some other way to fix the problem, possibly with sail trim?Are the end fittings on the forestay in good condition? The wire may be slipping.Several years ago I spent a lot of time and effort adjusting my forestay the problems I was having could easily have been solved with sail trim. I'd hate to know you went to the trouble of cutting your forestay and end up not solving your problem. Good luck.PeterH23 "Raven"