Folding Masts

[rodbeuk]

I grew up in The Netherlands where many sailboats have folding masts that pivot at the boom, called a "tabernacle", which allows them to pass under bridges that don't open. Has anyone had experience with such a rig in the US? I sail on KY Lake which is limited by bridges with 50' clearance, and my mast is 56', and would like to be able to fold my mast instead of unstepping it and laying it on deck in two cradles.

[ronspiker]

All of the so called "Trailer Sailers" have that feature or at least something like it so the mast can be easily lowered to be put on the trailer.

[LandLocked66c]

Compac makes folding masts/tabernacles.

Com-Pac Yachts: Trailerable Cat Boats, Trailerable Cruisers, and Cruising Sailboats

[rodbeuk]

I used to own some trailer sailboats, but now have a 1988 Hunter 33.5, but with the fractional rig it's too tall to get under the KY Lake bridges. I am searching for a way to make my mast folding rather than unstepping it.

[LandLocked66c]

It sounds like a really difficult thing to do on a boat that large. How bout boat balls?

[rodbeuk]

Thanks about the Compac Yachts with folding mast. I was actually looking for aftermarket modifications that have been done, to permit folding a mast.

[zz4gta]

We folded one on an F27 tri, but it was unintentional.

I think from a design/structure standpoint, it's a nightmare with such a large stick. Especially if it's a retrofit like you're talking about.

[LandLocked66c]

Originally Posted by rodbeuk

Thanks about the Compac Yachts with folding mast. I was actually looking for aftermarket modifications that have been done, to permit folding a mast.

You can contact Compac to have them make you one. A guy had one made for his Oday 23 which is keel stepped. But for a larger mast I'm just not sure it's feasible...

[Ulladh]

Midget Yacht by Jachtwerf Gebr. De Kloet B.V. voor nieuwbouw en reparatie has the type of tabernacle for dropping the mast, they also do custom stainless steel work.

[bandaidmd]

Just for the sake of discussion if a welding shop were to put some sort of locking hinge just above the lower shrouds where you could tip the top section foreward or back might be doable.It would mean a trip up the mast to lock/unlock the hinge.