A word of advice for new builders

[cs]

Make sure you pay attention to the rake of your mast. I had put everything in and thought I was going good, but alas my mast rake was 7 degrees too much. This happened because somehow my foreward bulkhead was off. I didn't catch this till I tried to raise the sail. Now I have to go in and take the mast base out and cut the forwared bulkhead to allow the mast to come back in the cabin to get the rake correct.

Just a note for new time builders to make sure they check the angle of the foreward bulkhead before getting to far so that they can make adjustments as needed.

Chad

[adla]

you should be able to fix the rake without cutting the forward bulkhead. i'm sure Barry will chime in soon - He'll know how to do it or someone else will explain...but i am sure you don't have to cut the bulkhead because rake is an issue that i sort of deal with. i have checked mine incessantly because i have thought it off (it checks out) but the fix that people suggested was easy and didn't involve cutting the bulkhead.

a.

[cs]

The other way I thougth about doing it was to bevel the mast at the tabernacle, but that would give my mast a bowed look.

Chad

[Dave R1]

Chad, you could cut a 7

[mrthethird]

Dave beat me to it....That is what I would recommend. No sense in cutting the deck up. And no need for a second shim, use the fall-off from the first cut.

[Barry Pyeatt]

Yes, this is what I would recommend as well. I've recommended this approach to two other builders with their masts off about 7 degrees as well. This is a perfectly acceptable solution to the matter. If you do use the cutoff wedge you will loose the amount of wood taken by the kerf. In both cases the builders simply added on a small block that thickness at the bottom of the tabernacle and that made up the difference in the mast box.

No one will ever be any wiser if this is all done below deck level. And as Dave said, the only way you would be able to tell is if you pull out the stub and look at it.

If it is much greater than 7-9 degrees a little more dramatic fix is called for but again it doesn't involve cutting out the front bulkhead to fix it.

So take a deep breath and relax, it is managable. :wink:

[umop_apisdn]

Just wanted to chime in that I had to fix this very problem, and I also modified the tabernacle by cutting a 9 degree wedge off of one side and glueing it to the other. Very easy, worked perfect, and looks great.

Noel

[cs]

Just so you guys know. I got a real tight fitting stub mast out with a pry bar and mini sledge. I decieded that I want the mast to come into the cabin to handle the rake and have already rough cut the slot in the foreward bulkhead. No turning back no.

Chad