mast curve 280 hunter

[RBM]

I just bought a 1996 280 hunter.
I noticed the upper portion of the mast is curved.
Is this normal? If not how do I fix it.

 

[Ed Schenck]

You don't say which way it is curved. Mast bend from vertical toward the stern is normal. But it should be straight as seen from the cockpit looking toward the bow. There is mast rake, the angle from the deck toward the stern. Mast bend is the entire length of mast but appears to be mostly from the spreaders to the top. Usually someone with your boat will know how much of each. Your sail loft may have some numbers.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I do not know your boat but am assuming it is a B&R rig with no backstay, so as I understand it, the mainsail should be laid flat on the ground and a small line run along the luff. Measure the amount of sail in front of this line to determine how the sail was cut. This measurement would be the starting point for the amount of curve to setup in the mast when you begin tuning it. The curve is set with the two turnbuckles at the ends of the diagonals coming from the spreaders. The curve should be set with all shrouds slack, and measured with your main halyard. More curve will flatten the sail more and improve performance at higher wind speeds, less curve better performance at lower wind speeds. Final adjustment depends of where and how you sail the boat.
good luck,
Bob

the mast tuning process is covered in great detail here:
http://sbo.sailboatowners.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=87

 

[seadaddler]

Don't Panic

It's most likely normal for that boat but check with a 280 owner first that has the manual.
Nick

 

[Steve Dion]

B&R rigs with or without backstays may have pre-bend in the spar. There are specific instructions that should be followed when the spar is on the bench to dial in the amount of bend per the mfg.

Check out the archives and you may be able to find something.

 

[Alan]

Bob pretty much nailed it. B&R rigs have a built in pre-bend that matches the luff curve of the main sail. Tuning your rig is so very important to get the boat to sail well. But you must learn how to do it correctly or you could make things worse. Brian Toss has a guide for tuning the B&R rig that you may want to get.

 

[Clark]

Mast pre-bend is 4", usually set by the diamonds with the mast down. You could do it mast up with the upper and lowers stays loosened. Mast rake is 12-14".