I took down the mast last winter and may leave it up this winter. I have 7 jack stands and the winter can get rather fierce. Many folks think leaving the mast up is prefered because there is less damage or likelyhood of damage. Still others say, take it down because the torque of the mast will stress the hull because the boat isn't in the water to cushion it. The mast doesn't NEED any work or anything. What think ye?
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mast up OK
To me, a bigger concern is that the stands or cradle are properly placed and not causing any oilcanning of the hull. I have stored both mast up and mast down and never noticed any difference, and as you say, there is more chance for damage when stepping the mast. Not a bad idea to take the stick down once in a hwile to check the rigging, though.
To me, a bigger concern is that the stands or cradle are properly placed and not causing any oilcanning of the hull. I have stored both mast up and mast down and never noticed any difference, and as you say, there is more chance for damage when stepping the mast. Not a bad idea to take the stick down once in a hwile to check the rigging, though.
Also on Erie.
Fully three-fourths of the boats at Harbor North in Huron winter with the rig up. My mast is off this winter for maintenance and upgrade. I worry more about spar storage/damage and retuning then I ever did about having it out there whistling in those Northerlies. Make sure those stands are chained securely. Then face your boat NW or SE Chris!
Fully three-fourths of the boats at Harbor North in Huron winter with the rig up. My mast is off this winter for maintenance and upgrade. I worry more about spar storage/damage and retuning then I ever did about having it out there whistling in those Northerlies. Make sure those stands are chained securely. Then face your boat NW or SE Chris!
Manufacturer agrees
Thanks for the replies folks! I called RCR Yachts in Buffalo and they store everything on 7 jack stands with the masts up...they take 2 turns off the turnbuckles to release tension on the shroud lines. The manufacturer called back and said 'hull stress?' -- NOPE! They said don't worry about it...shore up the stands so it doesn't flop over in a big blow. Got my answer! Thanks!
Thanks for the replies folks! I called RCR Yachts in Buffalo and they store everything on 7 jack stands with the masts up...they take 2 turns off the turnbuckles to release tension on the shroud lines. The manufacturer called back and said 'hull stress?' -- NOPE! They said don't worry about it...shore up the stands so it doesn't flop over in a big blow. Got my answer! Thanks!
No Problems Yet
Dropped the stick on my Mirage 29 twice in 13 yrs. with no damage to the vessel or rig. Leaving the stick up for the first time this year on our Hunter 340 after struggling with it the last two seasons. I made sure the 8 pad cradle was well blocked
Dropped the stick on my Mirage 29 twice in 13 yrs. with no damage to the vessel or rig. Leaving the stick up for the first time this year on our Hunter 340 after struggling with it the last two seasons. I made sure the 8 pad cradle was well blocked
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