Steve, I’m looking at a Hardin 45 Ketch. It has two deck stepped masts. Would you consider that a trait that would be suitable for an offshore vessel? Know anything about these vessels? Les
Hi Les: Deck stepped spars are less efficient structurally than those that are fixed on the keel and then at the deck. In general, it takes about 25% more mast tube weight to accomplish the same result. So in this regard it is a negative. Second, if you have a dismasting there is not going to be stump left with which to easily fashion a jury rig. On the plus side is the fact that there are no mast collars to leak (they always do), and if you drop a mast, it is usually easier to get rid of the debris. If there were no other issues, for offshore work, my preference would be to have spars stepped on the keel. Steve Dashew
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
