Stepped Masts # 2

[Andrew Bell]

Addendum to my Stepped Mast question of earlier:I have seen 1986 Catalina 34s with Keel stepped and deck stepped masts.I understand that the Mark11, has switched over to a deck stepped mast.Was this choice of Mast Step on an 86 an option?Is there a preference?

 

[Vince]

Stepped Masts

Andrew,The only drawback with a deck stepped mast is that on some of the older boats the deck would actually compress from the stress of the rigging and weight of the mast and sails. However, the keel step masts if not installed properly can leak. My preference is for the keel stepped for no other reason than it seems to be a more solid configuration. Good luck.Vince

 

[R. Palaia]

Go to c34.org

Check this website out for information on the 34. Roc

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Deck Stepped

I like deck stepped masts better cuz it really opens up the space down below. Let's face it: these boats were designed for comfort not hard core blue water sailing. I'd go for deck stepped for that reason. Most of them really don't see weather destructive enough to dismast them (although I'm sure it happens). Just my opinion!LaDonna

 

[Bob Robeson]

Step your mast?

I have had both and for normal use I see no real advantage with either way..Most good boats with a deck stepped mast still has a compression strut of some kind inside, through not as big as the mast.At some point almost all keel stepped mast will have leaks, though there are many ez fixes.I like the keel step because of strength and resail. And they make cool table that fold around them.Bob