Mast Step Placement

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Windcrazy
Windcrazy
89 posts
89 posts
17 Aug 2013 5:02am
Just wondering if there was a rule of thumb on mast placement for mini landsailers? I know the manta single places their mast pretty far forward. I'm not worried about the angle as mine are adjustable. I have noticed on the bigger boats that the mast is located farther aft, Is there a reason for that? My welder buddy bought a new machine this week and about ready to start glueing. Hope to have second boat finished next week.

Thanks
Gizmo
Gizmo
SA
2865 posts
SA, 2865 posts
17 Aug 2013 9:19am
Ok let me go thorugh a few known things about land yacht rig design.....

The CE (centre of effort) should be or very close to above the CR (centre of resistance) this is normally just infront of the rear wheels. To test this a sailing yacht if you slightly lift your feet from the steering a balanced yacht should continue to sail in a straight direction, if the CE is behind the CR the back end will slide out / or the front wheel will come into the wind, if CE is forward of CR the front end will be pushed away and will go down wind.
There is quite a lot on the forum of how to determine CE / CR.
Now some known stuff on rigs.... a tall high aspect ratio rig has more lift than a low aspect ratio rig..... but a yacht with a tall rig tips over easier than a low aspect rig.
Upright masts give better lift but the sail then becomes quite touchy to get positioned correctly with sheeting angles and rig twist, a raked mast has lower lift but is much more tollerant to sheeting angles.

Often designs evolve depending on the sailing location ie. A windy beach location with soft sand and beginner sailors, a low aspect ratio rig with a raked mast would be best, A hard surface like salt / ashfalt and moderate winds and with experianced sailors an upright high aspect ratio rig would suit best.

I know it hasn't answered you question directly but it will give you some thing to think about....

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Land-Yacht-Sailing/Construction/How-to-find-the-balance-points-for-a-Landyacht/
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