My understanding is that the B&R rig is designed to be pre-bent to further add rigidity to the mast section and eliminate the need for adjustable rigging (like backstay adjusters, babystays and runners).
Look at the spar, you'll see that some stays are fixed length (I think D2 & RD1?), my understanding is that is what creates the prebend. Also, in transport mode the mast is resting on the crutch about a third of the way from the tip. It seems to me gravity would cause at least this much bend.
Suggest you read the info at this link to get more familiar with this type of mast before making a decision.
Go to:
http://h260.com/rigging/rigging.html
Google "B & R" rig and you'll get a lot of info on this subject as it may be different from the type of rig you are familar with.
As always, it's best to talk to an experienced rigger who knows something about the B & R rig.
Hunter is pretty good about helping with this kind of stuff.
Hunter Customer Service:
mthomas@huntermarine.com
800-771-5556 ext. 3615 for parts expertise and
customerservice@huntermarine.com
