[timer]

My boat is keel stepped but the mast butt does not contact water and after 34 years is still fine - this is a serious problem it seems with many boats. If the rigging fails, most masts when they start to bend - thats it they just keep on going. Most emergency procedures are to cut rigging and lash parallel to boat. I, if given the choice prefer the keel step as the drive is right from the bottom of the boat and in a cruiser thats a beautiful thing. Whatever your choice hope you enjoy the boat - the most important thing Good luck Chris