Mast query

[jazdrew]

We bought a sailboat recently (no idea what type other than it is a 22footer) and we're in the process of fixing it up (as far as we can tell it's at least 20 - 30 yrs old as has several racing award plaques inside cabin area from late 70's, early 80's).Anyway, the previous owner had replaced a lot of the cabin sides and top with marine ply leaving no openings (other than doorway) and nothing on top to show where the mast is supposed to attach or with what. All we have is the mast pole and the boom with sails, wires etc. How does the mast attach to the boat? Does it just sit on top of the flat cabin roof? Or is there supposed to be something that it sits in which attaches to roof separately?As is fairly obvious I have no idea about boats or boat jargon. We are both total NEWBIES and probably have no clue as to what we are doing but it gives us something to occupy our time Any help would be greatly appreciated.thanks,rebecca

 

[Jim]

Mast step

Boats that I have seen have a step or seat that is attached (Bolted or screwed) to the deck and the mast sits in or around the step so that it does not slide. There is usually a post inside the boat under the step that transfers the load to the keel. Good luck

 

[Tim C350 April IV]

Tabernacle

The mast typically sits on something referred to as a "Tabernacle". As Jim notes, there typically is a post of some sort below the tabernacle to transfer the load of the mast to the rest of the boat.Those "wires" you mention are also part of holding the mast up - and transferring all the loads (or power) of the sails to the boat to make it go.Best advice might be to go look at some boats and get a book on basic sailing (I'm sure someone will provide a good link). The basic book will show generically how the whole think goes together.Good Luck - it sounds like quite the project!Tim BroganApril IV C350 #68Seattle

 

[Joe]

don't do anything till

..you learn more about boats and sailing. otherwise you're wasting time. Every basic sailing book has drawings depicting a sailboat's rigging. You need to study these types of pictures and try to learn the name and function of all the parts. After all, what's the point of this project if not to learn something. A forum such as this is just not the place to learn such basic stuff. You need a learning source with PICTURES!! I also suggest you wander down to the local marina or boatyard and look at the boats. Once you see how they are rigged it will make some sense.

 

[jazdrew]

thanks

Thanks for the replies. We're heading down to the Boating Show that is being held in the city this week to check out other boats to get an idea on what we've gotten ourselves into.Will also be checking out the marina down there while we're at it. The marina here on the island only has motorboats as the bridge is too low for sailboats and they built the marina on the wrong side of it.Guess the local library will be getting a bit of business too as I definitely know we need to get books on basic sailing etc.