Rake on 16

[fred]

Lads...my compac 16 has a 3-5 degree rake aft ...her boom swings a little too low fer comfort...I think of I straighten out the rake to zero it will pull the boom up enough that I wont have to duck...what is her rake if any...advise...

Seatime

[Bob23]

Fred:
   I don't know for sure but I'd imagine the 16's mast should be plumb or raked forward a bit. I have a 1985 23/2 (same designer as the 16) and she likes her mast raked forward about 3 degrees. It looks wierd but does help to lessen the weather helm.
   There could be other reasons for your head-clunkin' boom. Is the sail stretched out to the point that it doesn't support the boom enough? Is the sail all the way up the mast? If the sail is not up high enough, the boom will be too low also. Is it the correct sail for the boat?
   Raking the mast forward should help. Let us know how you make out.
Bob23

[JBC]

Fred,

Bob is on the right track with his thoughts.  The 16 does have a forward rake.  My '80 had it and my current '86 has it with the bowsprit.  Interestingly, the old weathered manual I have doesn't mention this in the section about setting up and tuning the mast.

I might also mention the topping lift for the boom, which might help keep the boom a bit higher.  I often leave mine attached to the end of the boom (though loosely) when sailing, except in brisk winds when I want a flatter mainsail.

jbc

[fred]

Hi Bob and JBC...The sail is in excellent shape on my 1985...and hoisted all the way. I am certain it's the rake...tuning it slightly forward (it currently is raked aft) will raise the boom just fine...thanks for the input...you are fine sailors...

Fred

[wes]

From the 1988 manual: "After the headstay is attached, tighten the bobstay turnbuckle until the bowsprit is in line with the sheer of the boat and the bow pulpit. Screw the headstay turnbuckle almost closed so that there is forward rake in the mast. Take up the slack equally with the two sidestays until they are snug."

[skip1930]

Straight up and down when she sitting at the dock.

skip.

[JBC]

Wes,

Thanks for finding the statement on mast rake in your 1988 manual.  Indeed, I overlooked the statement in my original manual that you highlight in bold in in your post.  Attached to my (I assume '86) manual is a one-page "supplemental" for the Com-Pac 16/2 that does not include that statement in the instructions of setting up the mast with a bowspirt.   It only mentions tightening the bobstay turnbuckle until the bowsprit is in line with the sheer of the boat and the bow pulpit, but stops there.  Looks like that mast rake instruction has always been in the manuals though.

JBC

[fred]

OK, got-er raked forward 3 degees...I have the shrouds and forstay tensioned but left a little play...how tight do you boys snug em up...I dont want to put a lot of pressure on the step but the compression post ought to take most of the downward stress...huh?

I just hate to see anything with play in it....the shrouds and stays on my old 32 Islander had about 1" play when pressing inward on them, we considered that acceptable play...the 16 has about 2" if I really press hard.

kudoo's

Fred