[Jeff_H]

Generally the mast on a fractionally rigged boat is further forward than it is on a masthead rig. The keel on a fractionally rigged boat is also generally a little bit forward of the position that it would be on a masthead rig. (This is part of the reason that Fractionally rigged boats will often track a little better than a mathead rig for an equal keel area on the other hand this is also the reason that Frac''s tend to kite more on the anchor.) The mast on a fractionally rigged boat is usually taller than the mast on a masthead rigged boat and these days are typically a tapered spar. Other differences is that a fractionally rigged boats used for cruising generally have swept back spreaders (10-15 degrees),usually do not have any forward lowers and usually have a single shroud chainplate positioned aft of the mast.Depending on the design of the boat, in most cases it is a pretty big job to convert a masthead rigged boat to a fractional rig.

Jeff