Mast X on Boat Y - How To Achieve Proper Fit

[Ziggler]

I have a Paceship 23 (although this question is universal).

1) Mast Reduction?: The mast isn't original to the boat and I'm concerned about "fit" and other finer points. I'm getting close to determining exact original measurements, but for our purposes here, let's say the mast is about 2-3' taller than original. It may also be generally heftier.

PROS = a) easier stepping, b) less weight above, c) I'm actively re-rigging anyway (so now's the time), d) I believe (although may be my imagination) the boat is affected by this weight, d) aesthetics of original mainsail's fit on the mast.

CONS = a) Potential damage, b) having to reconfigure so mast fittings (e.g. spreader brackets, etc.)

Question #1 - should I be considering cutting the mast to original PY23 specs. or is this unwarranted/unnecessary effort?

2) Mast Step: For some reason the mast step was moved forward 6-8" from original position. Now all 5 shrouds (back,lowers,uppers), except of course the forestay, are abaft the mast.

Question 2: Should the shrouds run parallel to the mast and not be abaft the mast's centerline? Am I putting too much tension on the forestay in the current configuration?

3) Mast head: Finally, (you all are a patient and generous bunch if you've read this far). The masthead cap doesn't cover/enclose the top of the mast. It's essentially "open" so that rain and everything else that drops from the sky can get into the mast.

Question: Is it imperative to have a watertight cap on the masthead or are some masts just open to the elements? All of the pictures I see on the web are of closed caps.

Here are some pictures to help with the descriptions above. Any sage advice most welcomed. Thank you.

 

[LANCE ON CLOUD NINE]

just a wild guess - but I would bet that the previous owner moved the mast forward so that he could use a longer boom that may have come with the mast.
If you just want to try and sail it - I would post many other close up pics of all rigging, and you will get some good advice here. Good luck.


edit to add - if your second from left pic is your masthead, you are correct the top fitting should slip fit nicely into the mast - it may be that someone just stuck the cap from the old mast into the new one. Or just tried to get sailing with parts they had laying around.

 

[Merlin Clark]

Do the sails you have fit the mast the way it is? or the old mast? I'd work around the sails if they're in good shape.
The mast step should be situated directed above whatever is intended to transfer the load to the hull of the boat, like a bulkhead, bridge or compression post.
I'd put it back where it was originally. The chances of the PO knowing more about boat design than the designer and builder of the vessel are pretty slim!
I wouldn't worry about water proofing the mast cap. Just make sure the wiring is heat shrinked or otherwise water proof and all fittings through the deck are well bedded to keep the water out of the deck core and boat.