Rotating mast - speed gain?

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 7:07 am

On our 04 M I sometimes pin the mast not to rotate (when using the boom brake). Our outing this past weekend, I forgot and left it pinned until later (just before we pulled out).

It seemed like the boat went noticably faster after I removed the pin and let it rotate .. about 1 kt faster. Unless it was just a coincedence, and inconsistant sailing....the rotating mast does appear to have some value, other than just cool marketing material.

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:45 am

Paul,

Are you saying it went faster with the mast pinned; not rotated?

I did a few experiments with mine in light air and rotation helped the speed according to the GPS. Some day I'll repeat the experiment.

captin5317 · Post by **captin5317** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:50 am

I to have forgoten to remove the pin on ocassions, wondering what seems to not be right. As soon as the pin is removed and the rotating mast starts to perform a noticable improvement in handling and performance. Have yet to check actual knot increase. Sounds like a project next time out. 13 times on the water in 4 weeks <SMILE> and lovin it!!!!
Bruce

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:04 pm

baldbaby2000 wrote:Paul,

Are you saying it went faster with the mast pinned; not rotated?

faster unpinned. I updated my original message to make it clear

shehzad · Post by **shehzad** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:08 pm

I am sailing Mac M 2005 model for the last several months but never saw the pin, you had been talking about.

Where exactly is it situated. I have noticed that the mast only rotates in heavy winds. It require lot of power, if I try to move it by hand.

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:23 pm

shehzad wrote:I am sailing Mac M 2005 model for the last several months but never saw the pin, you had been talking about.

Where exactly is it situated. I have noticed that the mast only rotates in heavy winds. It require lot of power, if I try to move it by hand.

It doesn't come with one (It should). I just drilled a hole in the base if the mast and continued into the plate under the mast and got a detent hitch pin http://www.wilsonmfgco.com/hitchpins/detentpins.htm at the base of the mast. Also works well keeping the mast centered when trailering..

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:35 pm

here is a shot with the mast pinned...Got to use the boom brake a couple times on Sunday. Pretty cool..had it set too loose at first..and the boom came across a hair faster than I was expecting..but didn't bang like it used to without the brake. Got it set to where it just came over at a controllable, less scary, pace.

But here is the mast not being rotated:

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 12:38 pm

shehzad wrote: I have noticed that the mast only rotates in heavy winds. It require lot of power, if I try to move it by hand.

Something is wrong then, it shouldnt be that tight. Your standing rigging could be too tight...or your forstay/roller may not be right.

Check to make sure the base plate moved easily when the mast is not up..shouldnt be too tight.

Unless our boat is not set right..the mast rotates pretty easily

Paul

DLT · Post by **DLT** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:07 pm

My mast didn't want to rotate either, until I lubed up those brass washers...

Paul S · Post by **Paul S** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:10 pm

DLT wrote:My mast didn't want to rotate either, until I lubed up those brass washers...

I just shoot some sailcote on them from time to time..but never had it hard to move

rookie · Post by **rookie** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:42 pm

In light wind if the mast doesn't rotate,just sheet in and tug lightly on the end of the boom--it will rotate quite easily w/o leaving the captains seat!

Rookie

baldbaby2000 · Post by **baldbaby2000** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 2:44 pm

I had some rotation problems that seem to have went away after I had removed the mast base for something. I think I must have tensioned the nut on the stud on the base differently when I put it back together causing it to work better. I also lube it now and don't have much trouble with it.

RandyMoon · Post by **RandyMoon** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 3:57 pm

No scientific studies, but I can tell the difference when rotated. And yes, squirt some SailKote or some other silicon lube and it will make it rotate easier.

Hey, I can't find the bearing upgrade on BWY site for mast rotation. Anyone know where the page is?

aya16 · Post by **aya16** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:02 pm

When tacking pull the main sail in tight before you go across the wind, This will avoid any sudden hard slams when the boom comes over. Do the same with the jib sheets then only a minor adjustment of both sheets is needed after the tack. As you make your turn hard over into the wind then catch or turn the wheel hard over to stabalize the course. Then let the sails out till they luff some, then slightly pull them in for shape.
Having the boom fly across at warp speed will not hit anyone that is sitting but its hard on the hardware. Plus it looks better when done right.
for anyone that might want to know.

all misspelled words are intentional its called Macbonics.

Catigale · Post by **Catigale** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 5:11 pm

Are you guys sure pulling that pin doesnt raise your motor?

MacGregorSailors.com

MacGregorSailors.com

Rotating mast - speed gain?

Rotating mast - speed gain?