I would like to take my 321 around the Florida loop but am concerned about clearance. I have seen articles from 53' to 42'. Anybody know the real world answer.
mast clearance on 321
- Thread starter Wesleymi
- Start date
It would be best to confirm the actual height of the mast on your boat if clearances are critical. Tie a spare piece of line of suitable length and strength to any halyard that goes to the top of your mast (main, spinnaker, topping lift) (Note a word of caution. Tie the line a foot or so above the shackle so not to risk pulling the shackle though the sheave. 
) Hoist that line to the top of your mast and mark it at deck level. Bring the line back down and measure it. Also measure the height of your deck to the waterline. If there is a VHF antenna mounted on your mast head then add an additional 3’ to the result.
) Hoist that line to the top of your mast and mark it at deck level. Bring the line back down and measure it. Also measure the height of your deck to the waterline. If there is a VHF antenna mounted on your mast head then add an additional 3’ to the result.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 23,174
I like the skill builder that has you on the boat measuring for yourself, as described by @Hello Below.
or you can go with what is listed on Sailboat data.
Rig and Sail Particulars
Mast Height from DWL:
46.25 ft / 14.10 m
DWL = Designed Water Line.
Add 4 ft for the VHF antenna and a couple of inches safety margin.
Be careful to choose your transit time so as to avoid high tides. Check the route carefully.
Or just borrow a friends cabin cruiser and party not worrying about the low bridges and shoaling sand bars.
bring a camera and share pictures.
or you can go with what is listed on Sailboat data.
Rig and Sail Particulars
Mast Height from DWL:
46.25 ft / 14.10 m
DWL = Designed Water Line.
Add 4 ft for the VHF antenna and a couple of inches safety margin.
Be careful to choose your transit time so as to avoid high tides. Check the route carefully.
Or just borrow a friends cabin cruiser and party not worrying about the low bridges and shoaling sand bars.
bring a camera and share pictures.
Instead of tying a piece of line to the halyard, use 100 foot measuring tape. Attach the end to the halyard, raise the halyard and read the measurement to the deck. Add 3 feet for anything attached to the masthead. May be slightly more accurate than a stretchy piece of line. Then to measure the distance to the waterline, use a plumb line or something similar (don’t get the tape measure wet) draped over the boom close to where it crosses the deck edge when you swing the boom over the water. Let out the line until the weight touches the water. Tie it off, swing the boom back inboard and measure. add that dimension to the overall mast height, subtract the measurement from the boom to the deck. Takes longer to explain than it does to do.
She is on the hard right now in Port Charlotte, Fl. Plan on being with her next month to do bottom job so I can very carefully send a measuring device up the mast. Then measure to the actual waterline residue on hull. Add 3 or 4 feet should give me a pretty good idea. Thanks for all the ideas on how to get the actual clearance I will need. Then party and take pictures.