Hi all,
The weather is getting nice and Aquila is getting close to being sailable again (well closer, who knew prepping a boat bottom took a dog's age?)
Since the time is getting closer, I'm preparing to put up my new mast (old one had a HUGE bend in the middle, looks like a Frankenstein made from two other tuna masts). However, I've discovered a discrepancy that makes me unsure which part of the mast butt to file down:
>From the John Skinner article: "In addition, you should unstep your mast and file the forward part of the butt of the mast (1/8 inch is plenty) to ensure that the mast bears on the aft edge. This helps to induce bend in the mast in heavier winds when the backstay is tightened. "
However according to the rules:
"MAST. Butt rests firmly on the deck and bears the force of the rig flat on the deck
A maximum of 3/32” may be shaved off the aft edge of the mast butt in order to
promote the stability of a raked mast under load (added 2003)"
So, clearly one of these is incorrect. Do I want to file down the forward part of the mast or the aft part? Any other advice you can give me on this is appreciated. Thanks!
-Derek Meyer
Aquila 28465
