Replacing the Mast

[fgg]

Hello to all,

I am a new member, a new sailor and recently an owner of a used MacGregor M25.
I bought it with out a Mast and I am now looking for one. I have read online that the M25 comes with a 28' mast. Here is my question to all:

What are the Pro's and Con's of replacing the mast with one 10" shorter?

The reason for the question is that I have found a used mast here locally that is rigged and ready to be installed. My other option is (other than to order one), I have found a 28' blank mast locally but i would have to figure out how to rig lights, wiring, spreaders, etc, my self.

Your thoughts please...
FGG

 

[BioAndy]

Can't think of any pros for a mast 10'" shorter than designed, but the cons would include having to alter the stays, shrouds, gooseneck, mainsail and other fittings to accommodate the new mast. Sailing performance would be altered with less mainsail. I'd hold out for a used mast from another M25.

 

[Tom J]

I once acquired a 23' O'Day with no mast. I had a new mast and standing rigging commissioned at a boatyard. Well worth it. Took away most of the worries of owning an older used sailboat. I was pretty sure the mast and rigging would last the rest of the boat's life span.

 

[Steve Dion]

....and the need to modify the mainsail to accomodate the new rig.

 

[MrBill_FLL]

can you get the sails for the old mast? in OK, IMHO, its a low probability finding many used masts... you could shim the step up a bit to help. (4"-6") and you can raise the top halyard by going to a sheave on the chicken neck. (since they have a cheek block about 4" down from the top...) that will get you close. but you'll probably need to have the sails foot cut, or the top/head (top would be easier/better). what kind of boat did it come from ? (hobie 18' ?)

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Take the 28' blank and rig it yourself. It will be far less trouble than you think. Don't take a mast that is 10' too short ... you may as well just run the boat around with the outboard and forget about sailing.

 

[arf145]

I think he was talking 10 inches too short, not 10 feet.

 

[tommays]

Unless you find a really good deal you might well find a complete M25 for less than a mast and boom and sails cost as it always the most expensive missing part

 

[Scott T-Bird]

OOPS! Yes, I see, but I still think it would be best to take the 28' blank and do it right by rigging himself.

 

[Doc_holiday]

I have a 26s with a 26.5' mast which is 18" short and its just fine. Your main concern will be knowing what your sail dimensions are.

I got the boat for free with a bent mast and no motor, my old boat was a pos and the only good things were the mast and motor. As it happens the spar is the same extrusion and all my rigging fit by adding a 2" extender on the 4 shrouds.

I bought 2 new sails and had a great deal (pictured) for less than 1k

 

[fgg]

I have a 26s with a 26.5' mast which is 18" short and its just fine. Your main concern will be knowing what your sail dimensions are.

I got the boat for free with a bent mast and no motor, my old boat was a pos and the only good things were the mast and motor. As it happens the spar is the same extrusion and all my rigging fit by adding a 2" extender on the 4 shrouds.

I bought 2 new sails and had a great deal (pictured) for less than 1k

Does your 26s have a pop-top? and if so, did it affect the functionality of it in any way?

 

[Doc_holiday]

Yes it does,

Originally I thought about just lowering the boom so I could use the MacGregor sail but that would have killed the use of the pop top anytime the main is up. Ultimately I worried that the boom would simply be a death trap and also worried it may catch the lifelines. Instead, I put the boom where it belongs and simply purchased a sail sized for the original clipper the mast came from.

I have no performance issues. I can reach hull speed and it sails very close. My buddy with a Columbia said he wished his would sail that close.

If you have a deal on a mast that's 10" too short.
I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Matros]

Welcome FGG,

Depending on what boat that 27'2" mast came from the standing rigging may be too short or too long to work with your new Mac. I had bought my boat with a Hobie 18 mast and boom but still needed to buy new sails and re-do all the mast hardware and standing rigging.

Depending on how much more the bare mast costs you might be better off getting a "clean slate" to start with rather than a mast that will be full of holes from the old hardware you've had to remove/replace.

You'll also learn a ton along the way about your boat and sailing in general and will have the comfort of knowing how well everything has been attached. Also you will be much better prepared to fix things when they break.