CS20: plans update needed? are alum masts - take-apart?

[nsimms]

Hey all,

Am getting the urge to build a CS20 after holding the plans in hand for the last 7 years.

Anybody know if my 2003 plans need updating? Any major changes made to the specs/build over the years? I have an email in to Graham, but am curious as to y'all's opinion.

Also, in perusing the plans closely, it occurred to me it wasn't clear if the sectional aluminum masts are intended to remain sectional for storage/stowing, or if they are intended to be made up permanently full length. It would seem to me you could leave them take-apart if you use sleeved or laced sails, but if you put a sail track on the mast I would think it would be pretty tricky to make it take-apart and have the track work properly.

Thanks,

Neil S.

[Ray Frechette Jr]

Builder's choice on mast.

Original concept was a minimal rigged boat with luff sleeves and take apart self storing masts to sit in cockpit for storage.

Since then people pushed the envelope and went with fixed masts with track for ease of reefing, and more rigging costs with all lines led aft from mainmast...

Either way works depending on your desires.

Fixed masts means you need to build mast carriers to transport the fixed masts.

As to what updates if any since plans you bought, I am not sure as I don't know the different iterations.  But I am sure Graham will respond on that.

[tom151]

but if you put a sail track on the mast I would think it would be pretty tricky to make it take-apart and have the track work properly.

Neil S.

I've had to put external track on an ALU mast and there was always a joint in  the track somewhere. See no reason you couldn't locate a track joint at the joint area for a take apart mast - I'd just plan on running the machine screws at the joint through both thicknesses of mast and keep the 'never seize' at hand.

I haven't done it - but have seen track that was keyed to keep it in alignment. The joint looked something like  |_|-|_|  he just nibbled it out _slowly_ with a mini grinder.

[Gordy Hill]

Neil,

You don't want to take apart your masts. Mine was one of the first CS 17's (No 11) and I had two-part masts. Among other things, the sails got very soiled when I put them on or off the masts. The masts moved about in the boat during transport.

Once I decided to leave the masts assembled I found it was much easier to wrap the sails around the masts and the masts make a wonderful ridge pole for a tarp for storing the boat. Another advantage is that a window can be sewn into the main and it doesn't get creased when the sail is folded. It just wraps smoothly around the mast.

Gordy

[nsimms]

Thanks everyone for the tips. Might try the birdsmouth wooden masts if one piece is preferred. I have liked storing/furling the sail by wrapping around the mast on earlier sprit rigged builds, so I appreciate the utility of that.

I am also considering a tabernacle for the main; will have to ask Graham about his design for that. 

Graham got back to me right away regarding my old plans, and recommended an updated set, as changes have been considerable since '03. Price is very reasonable, so a check will go out tomorrow.

Neil