Mast Rake on P 24

[John Faro (Afterglow)]

Is there a recommended rake angle to a P42 mast? I have a 1996 P42 with a substantial rake and it appears to hang up the main sail when I furl it.Has anyone had similar experience? I am the second owner and I want to adjust the stays to minimize the rake. Should I be concerned with anything else that may be effected by this change.Any comments and suggestions would be appreciated - John Faro, 305, 365-7733 Key Biscayne, FL

 

[Ray]

John, Call Hunter Marine on their tech line for

the "recommended rake". That gives you a good starting point and from there sail the boat for a feeling of the weather helm with that amount of rake. Further adjust from there.On my small Hunter it calls for 6" rake. Increasing rake increases weather helm and improves upwind performance. If it has been awhile since you have had your standing rigging set-up I would do this with setting rake. Shroud and mast tension give a whole new meaning to the term "trickle down effect" or "pyramid structure". This adjustment really improved the performance and handling of my boat. The equipment is around $50 for the do-it-yourselfer and the specs available from Hunter. Plan on 1/2 of a day. You probably will enjoy both the work and the greater indepth understanding of what makes "my sailboat go faster than his".RayS/V Speedy95 H26