Hunter 340 - correct mast rake

[markymac1961]

So... a local Yacht rigger here in Whitsundays, Queensland suggested that the mast rake on my recently acquired 1999 Hunter 340 appears to be 'fwd' to the extreme.

He seems very knowledgeable and is well versed in B&R rig setups. I'm aware that these rigs have exaggerated pre-bend, but should the mast rake be pretty much vertical or slightly aft - not forward of the vertical?

He said it looks about 3-4" out, which will possibly require replacing the forestay (Built in to the Selden heady furler I believe - with not much adjustment) and shortening the SS mast base struts by an inch or two.

I have no idea if the previous owner made some rig alts that have left the mast well forward of vertical. The attached pic was taken as close to 'directly' abeam of the mast, but I'm not sure if it really shows anything useful.

Does anyone have a factory spec for mast rake, or any other advice or opinions. I'm all ears.
Thanks in advance folks. Mark Mac - Whitsundays QLD

 

[sailcapt340]

I can share some photos I have of the 1999 and 2000 - 340. I have the manual that came with my 2000 - 340 on “ How to Tune the Rig”. I won’t be at the boat for a few days, but when I do get there I’ll be sure to dig it out.

In this photo the first boat on left is a 1999 - 340. The same as yours with the fiberglass arch. The boat in the middle is mine (2000). This was a friend’s boat, he no longer owns it, so I can’t get any info from it aside from this picture. But it does show a significant difference from your photo.


This is my 2000’s profile. For a possible reference.


This shows a profile while sailing. Not my best day of sailing but it was relaxing.
Hope this helps you going forward.

I found this and few other photos (of actual sailing profiles, if you’re interested) of the 1999 340.

The boat on the left is a 1997 - 380. Center is the 1999 - 340. Right is a 2000 - 340. It was a very foggy morning when I took this shot but it does show the profiles you are interested in seeing.

 

[shemandr]

Does the boat in question have weather helm to an excess degree?

 

[markymac1961]

I can share some photos I have of the 1999 and 2000 - 340. I have the manual that came with my 2000 - 340 on “ How to Tune the Rig”. I won’t be at the boat for a few days, but when I do get there I’ll be sure to dig it out.
View attachment 233688
In this photo the first boat on left is a 1999 - 340. The same as yours with the fiberglass arch. The boat in the middle is mine (2000). This was a friend’s boat, he no longer owns it, so I can’t get any info from it aside from this picture. But it does show a significant difference from your photo.

View attachment 233689
This is my 2000’s profile. For a possible reference.

View attachment 233690
This shows a profile while sailing. Not my best day of sailing but it was relaxing.
Hope this helps you going forward.

I found this and few other photos (of actual sailing profiles, if you’re interested) of the 1999 340.
View attachment 233691
The boat on the left is a 1997 - 380. Center is the 1999 - 340. Right is a 2000 - 340. It was a very foggy morning when I took this shot but it does show the profiles you are interested in seeing.

Hey mate,
That's all a great help. Thanks for putting the time into such a detailed response. I shall have a close look at the pics, and would love that H340 rig tuning guide sent when you get a chance cheers.
All the best and happy sailin'. - Mark Mac QLD

 

[markymac1961]

Does the boat in question have weather helm to an excess degree?

THAT... is a great question mate... and I wish I had an answer.
Would you believe that since I got the boat 2 months ago, I've been sailing once in a Wed arvo fun race - 2... gusting to 5 knots. So not a lot to gain there eh. I'll get some specs if I can, and maybe take it out in more wind sometime soon... say 15-18 knots before I start chopping and extending stuff ???$$$$.
Thanks for the response cheers - Mark Mac

 

[danstanford]

Does the boat in question have weather helm to an excess degree?

This is the critical question. If you find you have lee or neutral helm in your typical breeze more rake will almost certainly make you faster to weather.

 

[sailme88]

IMHO that mast isn't in Column. Rake usually refers to the top of the mast being aft of the step. Your mast appears to have a bow.. I would think that would simultaneously place undesired structural forces on the mast at 2 different locations .

 

[shemandr]

The mast does seem to have a lot of pre-bend. There’s only so much you can conclude from a picture.
Changing the pre-bend could result in needing to re-cut the main or replace it. I’d sail it for a while before making these changes.

 

[sailcapt340]

Mark, I sent you a PM. Files were large so multiple.