Deck Stepped Mast

[ktm]

Hello:

What are the thoughts regarding deck stepped vs. keel stepped mast for off shore sailing? Has the deck stepped mast ever given any pause? Thanks.


Ken

[T37Chef]

There are definite advantages of both types. I let someone else type all that, but for offshore...I would feel more secure with the keel stepped mast. Look at most blue water boats have, keel stepped. If your removing the mast regularly for storage, transport, etc the deck stepped has advantages. New Englanders will probably have allot to say here?

[Vasco]

Actually if you're taking down and putting up the mast a lot (like we do here in Toronto) it's a lot easier with a keel stepped mast as you can get everything ready before going to the mast crane to un-step. With the deck stepped you have to have the crane on before doing the shrouds etc.

As for advantages or disadvantages I think it's a wash. Many ocean going sailboats have deck stepped masts. Some say they're better because you can get rid of the rig easier if dismasted. I prefer keel stepped but have a boat with a deck stepped mast as that's the way they build the model I got. I would not let the question be a deal breaker if you're buying.

[T37Chef]

good point Vasco! Never thought about that one?

[RickBowman]

Ken, Vasco,
As I see it, it's a wash between deck steped and keel steped pertaining to winter mast removal. Shrouds and stays must be removed for either variety, so there is no gain nor loss pertaining to time, or effort with either design. But I see that we are slipping from the original intent of Kens posting that being off shore sailing? Purely from a mechanical/rigging argument the keel steped mast must be more robust and trustworthy then deck steped, but can't either have the failure point exceeded by the sea? Just keep the prayer beeds and holy water handy.

Rick

[svsirius]

Neither is better or worse than the other. As long as the boat is designed as an offshore boat then either will work fine. Deck stepped masts have no big holes in the deck.. good thing and if the rig goes down odds of whipping around the interior is 0 also a good thing. Bad thing is keel stepped will more often give you a larger stub to work with.. Also on decked stepped the compression post/bulkhead is a critical piece of gear while on a keel step this does not exist.. just different engineering.

FWIW the Moody is deck stepped and clearly an offshore boat, most HRs are decked stepped as I recall.. I know my friends new 40 is.