no fore and aft lowers?

[Tom Monroe]

I'm moving up from my 22 footer to 25-28 ft, and am interested in the forum's opinion on the presence or lack of fore and aft lower shrouds. I'm not particularly comfortable with the idea, but those of us who have lost a mast before seem willing to go to great lengths to avoid a repeat. Am I being too cautious? The boat will be used only on inland lakes, but I do enjoy staying out in some pretty stiff winds, and of course one must be prepared for the inevitable squall line.Opinions?Tom MonroeBanana BoatCarlyle Lake

 

[David Foster]

Design Quality

Freedom yachts, Hunter Vision, and Nonesuch all have unstayed masts. They are all designed with the strength in mast and step to handle the stress, All have good reputations for seakeeping, and cruising. II know of no instances of safety issues in this forum , or elsewhere.As for sailing, The Freedoms and Visions are reputed to be great off the wind, and slow to windward. The stayless mast allows optimal mainsail doployment on a run. Read some reviews of the Hunter Vision 32 and 36 on this site for more info.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Steve Dion]

Maybe you answered your own question.

Tom:Maybe you have answered your own question here. You had a boat with all that rigging and you lost your mast. I think you will find that may of the rigs are because there was defective or damaged hardware. Hunter is not alone with this type of rig. I think you will find it is very effective and maybe less susecptible to a rig loss.

 

[JPF]

Rigging Design

The question is not whether a boat has both fore and aft lowers, single lowers or is even un-stayed. What is more important is the quality of construction and condition of the rigging. They all are ok if properly designed and maintained.If you have questions regarding a specific type and model of boat, the owner's groups here and on other forums such as Sailnet.com can give you the best information.