Starting a new thread here excluding the wedge topic. Some random thoughts on the subject.
First, conventional wisdom on mast rake for the older C&C's is 1 degree aft. To get close, multiply your boat's P dimension in feet by 0.21. (That's the sine of 1 degree x 12 inches) That yields the number of inches aft of the mast where a plumb line hung from the masthead should touch the boom. If you hang the plumb weight from the main halyard you may have to add an inch or two if your main halyard sheave protrudes a bit aft of the plane of the aft side of the mast. Personally, I would err on the side of more rake. For instance 1 degree for a 35-1's P dimension of 38 feet is 8 inches. I'd use 9-10 inches. You can set rake with wedges at the collar or by moving the masthead. If you can remove all the wedges and achieve desired rake by moving the butt of the mast in the step then you can set the mast in the collar with Spartite. If your mast is already set with Spartite, you can still adjust rake by lengthening or shortening the forestay. An easy way to increase rake is to add a toggle to the forestay. Caveat: If the mast is fixed at both the collar and the step, moving the masthead aft will add a bit of pre-bend. This will flatten your mainsail. A rule of thumb is adding 4-5 inches to the forestay will move the masthead aft about 1 inch. I set a bit more than 1 degree on Touche' to increase pointing ability. I achieved the additional rake by replacing the forestay with a longer one. My rigger buddy and I did it so the cost was minimal. I haven't noticed an excessive amount of weather helm. Your weather helm experience with rake may vary due to the cut and condition of your sails. Touche' does have Spartite. When I nstalled the Spartite, I liberally coated the inside of the collar with petroleum jelly. I've lifted the rig twice and the Spartite plug has always popped out with the mast. On re-installing, I coat both the inside of the collar and the plug with petroleum jelly. I like the idea of using a jack to pop the plug rather than lift with a crane. I used a car jack on 2x4's to pop it once. Reinstalling the Spartite may require some "coaxing". I used a rubber mallet and a block of wood to firmly re-seat the Spartite. Keep in mind that Spartite does NOT seal the mast. I think even Spartite says that. It only holds the mast in position. I installed gray self fusing tape around the Spartite and collar. I haven't seen a drop of leakage in years. Reminder: If you reply to this, please trim the content due to its length. Dennis C. Touche' 35-1 #83 Mandeville, LA
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