Howdy, This is timely since it is almost Memorial Day. Anybody fly an ensign on their small boat? I have a 1987 H23. I was going to mount a teak staff on the deck at the corner of my transom, but there is little room there and the Jim Buoy would be in the way. I bought a rail-mounted 30-inch metal staff to attach above the tiller, but I am afraid to get the boat too cluttered. I know I can attach it to the trailing edge of the sail, but NOT to the backstay (Chapman). What have others done? Also, a QUICK "When do I Fly an Esign amd When Don't I?" would be appreciated. TIA, Richard H23 "Invictus"
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Ensign
I fly a US Ensign from a staff mounted to the stern rail of my h26. Personally, I believe that as long as you fly your ensign respectfully, it's OK if you don't adhere perfectly to flag flying etiquitte. Again, the key word is "respectfully." Chapman's says the following for the US Ensign & US Yacht Ensign for a single masted sailboat: Flag staff. Optional when underway: peak of gaff if so rigged or 2/3 up leech of mainsail. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
I fly a US Ensign from a staff mounted to the stern rail of my h26. Personally, I believe that as long as you fly your ensign respectfully, it's OK if you don't adhere perfectly to flag flying etiquitte. Again, the key word is "respectfully." Chapman's says the following for the US Ensign & US Yacht Ensign for a single masted sailboat: Flag staff. Optional when underway: peak of gaff if so rigged or 2/3 up leech of mainsail. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
Ron...
...does the staff clutter up your stern area and/or get in the way? Does it look...well...out of place or silly? Richard
...does the staff clutter up your stern area and/or get in the way? Does it look...well...out of place or silly? Richard
Rich
Rich - I kind of like the look of a stern staff, plus it is in compliance with the flag rules. Just remembered something, though. The mount is actually on aft side of the port stern rail seat, not amidships. This puts it off center, but keeps it away from the rudder, etc. Also, read a good rule of thumb for the US Ensign on boats...1" of flag for every 1' of boat, and better to be oversized than small. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
Rich - I kind of like the look of a stern staff, plus it is in compliance with the flag rules. Just remembered something, though. The mount is actually on aft side of the port stern rail seat, not amidships. This puts it off center, but keeps it away from the rudder, etc. Also, read a good rule of thumb for the US Ensign on boats...1" of flag for every 1' of boat, and better to be oversized than small. Ron Mehringer h26 Hydro-Therapy
U.S.Ensign
On my 260,I mounted the socket for a teak staff just to port and aft of the mast crutch. This allows the Ensign to fly at the stern nearly on centerline of the boat. Looking on the project with hindsight, it would have been just as appropriate to fly the Ensign from the mast crutch. Has any one tried this? Steve Kamp
On my 260,I mounted the socket for a teak staff just to port and aft of the mast crutch. This allows the Ensign to fly at the stern nearly on centerline of the boat. Looking on the project with hindsight, it would have been just as appropriate to fly the Ensign from the mast crutch. Has any one tried this? Steve Kamp
when to fly
You are supposed to fly a US ensign (not the yacht ensign but a regular US flag) whenever you operate in international waters. Most people fly one all the time. The yacht ensign is legal only in US territorial waters. And only on an uninspected vessel.
You are supposed to fly a US ensign (not the yacht ensign but a regular US flag) whenever you operate in international waters. Most people fly one all the time. The yacht ensign is legal only in US territorial waters. And only on an uninspected vessel.
On Miss Lisa
On my 1985 23.5 I fabricated a stainless plate to mount a 30 degree staff atop the rudder. My first attempt I mounted it to the on aft top of the tiller. Whenever the wind got stiff the tiller tended to rise. So far no troubles. Bob Noble S/V Miss Lisa
On my 1985 23.5 I fabricated a stainless plate to mount a 30 degree staff atop the rudder. My first attempt I mounted it to the on aft top of the tiller. Whenever the wind got stiff the tiller tended to rise. So far no troubles. Bob Noble S/V Miss Lisa
I use the mast crutch on a 23.5
Steve, I have a '94 23.5 and I also fly mine form teh mast crutch. West Marine sells a kit with the hardware so you can mount it to a stern light pole. All you have to do to use this kit is replace the tie-wraps included wihtt he kit with longer ones and it works for the mast crutch.
Steve, I have a '94 23.5 and I also fly mine form teh mast crutch. West Marine sells a kit with the hardware so you can mount it to a stern light pole. All you have to do to use this kit is replace the tie-wraps included wihtt he kit with longer ones and it works for the mast crutch.
Sun Hunter
We have a rail mounted pole above our tiller and have not had any accounts of it being in the way of anything. Good Luck and happy sailing on Memorial day.
We have a rail mounted pole above our tiller and have not had any accounts of it being in the way of anything. Good Luck and happy sailing on Memorial day.
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