Boy the traffic on this site slows down when the temp get cooler so it seems. Hopefully this topic gets seen.
OK. Tech question again. What if one was to install a taller mast on their CP16 so the boom would would be just a bit higher above your head for better headroom from the boom swinging and install of a Bimini top that your head isn't rubbing on it?
My thoughts would be more heeling over but your talking a possible 8 to 10 inches taller mast. Has anyone tried/ done this or would this screw with the design of the 16 and the way the sails react to the boat?
Snow is falling here high in the Rockies so my season is over and time for mods and paint.
Thanks in advance.
Lee...
Hi Lee,
You're right about evrything you said. You'd get better headroom, but as I've read here and there sail boat design is a "compromise". Give and take. What you gain you lose somewhere else.
I say, try it and report on how she handles. An engineer could go on and on about the turning forces moving higher, the center of effort, blah,blah, blah.
The 16 was heavily ballasted to begin with, and with a light rig. It was designed for Florida winds, and heavy chop.
My guess is you'll hardly notice the different handling. You will probably trim the sails slightly to compensate without knowing it. If you don't go too high, no-one else will notice. You will have to get new forestay and shrouds, but that isn't a big deal.
How are you going to extend the mast or are you getting a new longer mast?
This forum isn't slow when you post, see?
ComPac made a taller masted 16. It was called the Raven. You can search the forums on the topic... it had a taller rig.
I'm thinking it would heel more and would be mostly useful in lighter air.
There have been plenty of times that I really didn't want any more canvas up.
It's like the "chopper" guys... extending the front forks on a design that a lot of engineers spent a lot of time developing. They really didn't handle as well as the "stock" front end. I bought a chopper and immediately got rid of it and had a stock Sportster for years after that.. the difference in handling was legion.
Enjoy
Dale
When I purchased my 16, the previous owner had a 6'' sleeve made and attached it to the bottom of the mast. The mast slipped and bolted inside the sleeve top and the bottom of the sleeve was reduced back down to the the size of the mast so it would fit in the same hardware when stepping.
All the stays had to be replaced with longer. The previous owner said it was a project worth doing. The extra few inches of headroom made it worth the trouble.
The boat sailed fine and I had her out on some rough days. I never sailed the boat before it was altered but I was very happy with it after.
Good sailing
I took a different approach to getting a few more inches of head room. When I had my sails cleaned last year I had the sailmaker take 4" off the top of the sail and replace the headboard. This was easily accomplished, had no affect on the upper batton and worked great. The few extra inches put the boom above everyone's had. It did not cost much either. I use Linthicum Sailmakers in Sommerville, NJ -great folks to deal with!
I am currently using a snipe mainsail for my 16. Got it brand new for $165.00. The boom is well above my head in the cockpit so it may be shorter than the boat calls for. A new set of sails and a foil rudder are on my list of must haves.