Mast Flex and such
The main and mizzen masts are now cut to shape for my Old Shoe. It
has been a long process and much more involved than I had
invisioned. Of course, this entire building project to date has been
more than I had ever imagined it would be. I am having fun though.
Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing is having fun?
After getting the main mast to shape, I noticed that it does have a
good amount of flex to it. PCB gave me the option of either
laminating 2 2x4's in Fir or going for the more expensive Sitka
Spruce as a solid stick. I did the latter. I am trying to invision
the mast bending in the wind and what will happen to my sail shape. I
know that is another topic of discussion, as I searched out the loft
to make my sails, one in particular stated that I needed to provide
the degree of bend so that they could custom make my sail to match.
The other lofts used a standard formula for mast bend and it is
probably an average compromise for sail shape as the mast bends. I
am curious what you folks have experienced after finally completing
your projects and getting out for the first sail.... how does mast
bend affect sail shape generally and what can I expect to see?
Thanks for your input.
Regards,
Dennis Lancaster
Bellingham, WA
has been a long process and much more involved than I had
invisioned. Of course, this entire building project to date has been
more than I had ever imagined it would be. I am having fun though.
Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing is having fun?
After getting the main mast to shape, I noticed that it does have a
good amount of flex to it. PCB gave me the option of either
laminating 2 2x4's in Fir or going for the more expensive Sitka
Spruce as a solid stick. I did the latter. I am trying to invision
the mast bending in the wind and what will happen to my sail shape. I
know that is another topic of discussion, as I searched out the loft
to make my sails, one in particular stated that I needed to provide
the degree of bend so that they could custom make my sail to match.
The other lofts used a standard formula for mast bend and it is
probably an average compromise for sail shape as the mast bends. I
am curious what you folks have experienced after finally completing
your projects and getting out for the first sail.... how does mast
bend affect sail shape generally and what can I expect to see?
Thanks for your input.
Regards,
Dennis Lancaster
Bellingham, WA