Mast rake?

[Unclemike]

We were told our mast appears to be leaning slightly forward. I don't think this is a good thing and could lead to an automatic falling off the wind direction, rather than heading into the wind, which is usually the preferred helm. I don't see any way to adjust the fore-stay, since there is no more adjustment on the "thingy". Is there some extension that could be added, or should we just leave it be? Thanks!

[BobK]

 How much weather helm do you have in a decent wind?   Leaning the mast forward will reduce the amount of weather helm.   I had to lean the mast forward on my CP 16 to keep it from rounding up in just a moderate gust.   The mast was only slightly forward on my CP 23. You should not have to fight the tiller to keep the boat from rounding up in a moderate wind but there should be some pull on the tiller.
BobK

[Craig]

The only important thing is how does it sail. Someone saying "your mast is leaning forward" is totally irrelevant!. The factory adjustment is usually the correct one unless some unknowing owner starts messing without sufficient knowledge/experience to know what they are doing. Be cautious and make only incremental adjustments based on real world experience.

[Pete H]

Hi Guys,

The mast on my Legacy does lean forward and that is how it was delivered from the factory.  BUT that is when the boat is sitting in the water on its own. When I add a six HP outboard and a 100 kilogram sailor the boat sits down at the stern and the mast tilts backwards. If I move forward towards the cabin the stern rises somewhat ,(mast moves forward again).

My advice is to try it as it is. If the boat sails well there is no problem! If there are problems e.g. excessive weather or lee helm, that is the time to try adjusting your mast rake.

The Legacy is a small yacht and is therefore sensitive to where the load is placed, I assure that the appearance of your masts verticality will vary accordingly. Ignore unsolicited inexpert advice, (including mine if it suits you).

Cheers,

[skip1930]

Straight up and down is as good as it gets.

skip.

[capt_nemo]

Only if absolutely necessary (see comments above), the current forestay can easily be lengthened by a few methods.

One, by adding a pair of short stainless steel tangs at either top (preferable) or bottom of the forestay.

And another (cheaper), by adding a short length of strong small-link stainless steel chain at the top. I've used this method successfully to change/adjust the length of stays on small sailboats.

capt_nemo