Raising Boom on Mast

[charliehall1@verizon.net]

Hi Everyone,I have an ODay 30 and the boom is to low over the cabin to install a dodger. The fellow that came to the boat to measure suggest I raise the boom on the mast 12 inches and have a foot cut from the bottom of the sail. It sounds reasonable but I am no how effect it will have on the mast. Any suggests or advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[John B12743]

Raising the Boom

You can raise the boom to get the clearance but you have to consider how cutting that area of sail from the mainsail will affect your boat's sailing performance. I once had a Hunter 31 with a tall, "standing headroom" bimini. The main wasn't cut. Instead, it had a permanent reef in the main that raised the boom to get the needed clearance. It did affect performance. You may find it helpful to temporarily put in a reef that aproximates the loss of mainsail you would cut and see how she sails.  John - O'Day 302

 

[mike c]

not a great idea

I guess it depends on what you want in a sailboat?? A sailboat that sails reasonably well, or a dodger?? IMHO I would never remove that much sail area on an O'Day (as they are not fleet of foot to begin with and that's alot of sail area to lose) you are raising the boom creating more weight higher on the boat, thus losing some stability. It sounds like the guy who is measuring for the dodger doesn't want to lose the job. This would involve more $$ than having him lower the dodger a few inches. On my 28, the dodger(in the open position) sits just below the boom. On my friend's O'Day 30, it does as well. Unless the boom has been lowered below the original height, change the dodger design, not the boat's design.

 

[charliehall1@verizon.net]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advise. I felt the same way just wanted some confirmation from more experienced sailors.