Forums General Discussion mast height

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    • #68913
      Anonymous

      Is there a standard mast height for the 424? I recently took a bump at 51.08 feet. My booklet says 48′ 9″ from the DWL.

    • #80962
      Anonymous

      I was having major trouble getting this posted so I kept it short on the fourth try. I have an in mast furling system. I never thought that the original booklet would have incorrect information but now I realize the furling main might not be standard and could be higher. Anybody have any real numbers? I was hoping to summer in the fresh waters of the Tennessee River which has a few bridges at 52′.

      Ken.

    • #80963
      RichCarter
      Participant

      There are two heights for the 424, the standard ketch and the tall-ketch, sloop and cutter. My mast (sloop) is about 48′ off the deck and 53′ off the water. Add to that masthead light and antenna so I figure I need about 57′ minimum. I think the standard ketch is about 4′ shorter.

      Rich


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    • #80964
      Anonymous

      If the Army Corp of Engineers are accurate with their numbers my masthead (no instruments etc) is just above or right at 51′. My wind transducer sticks straight out from the masthead, maybe an inch above and that’s what we hit right at the bottom of the bridge.

    • #80965
      Anonymous

      Rich,
      I found some other numbers in my sail plan drawings that coincide with the original booklet numbers of 48′ 9″. Someone of the past PO’s drew a mast with dimensions from the top of the grease cap (roller furling only) on the masthead to the mast step….50′ 10″ and a height of 7′ 5″ from the step to the cabintop. That might have been drawn by using the numbers in the book, I don’t know. By my rough calculations my mast step is about 2′ 4″ below the water line. Close enough to make me believe that 48′ 9″. But until I get up there and do my own measuring as is, in the water, I believe the Army Corp of Engineers have a pretty good grasp of the numbers controlling the Okeechobee.
      I must be in the short rig group for sure because we went under bridges that showed 55ish’ by reading the scales at the bridge. We never touched the VHF antenna but damn it looked close as it always does.

      Ken

    • #80966
      madsailor
      Moderator

      My ketch is exactly 48.5 feet above the water because I measured it and
      because I fit under the Malaca lift bridge at 49.1 feet with the antenna
      down.

      Bob

      Pardon the brevity. I’m typing this on my phone and I hate typing on my
      phone.
      On May 21, 2014 6:04 PM, “Page Two” wrote:

      Rich,
      I found some other numbers in my sail plan drawings that coincide with the
      original booklet numbers of 48′ 9″. Someone of the past PO’s drew a mast
      with dimensions from the top of the grease cap (roller furling only) on the
      masthead to the mast step….50′ 10″ and a height of 7′ 5″ from the step to
      the cabintop. That might have been drawn by using the numbers in the book,
      I don’t know. By my rough calculations my mast step is about 2′ 4″ below
      the water line. Close enough to make me believe that 48′ 9″. But until I
      get up there and do my own measuring as is, in the water, I believe the
      Army Corp of Engineers have a pretty good grasp of the numbers controlling
      the Okeechobee.
      I must be in the short rig group for sure because we went under bridges
      that showed 55ish’ by reading the scales at the bridge. We never touched
      the VHF antenna but damn it looked close as it always does.

      Ken


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    • #80967
      patn
      Moderator

      Are these waters tidal? How does the ac of e list the bridge
      clearance? mean high water? those of us in the great lakes would be
      clueless about this… we have seiches but no tides – ..

      according to docs
      [listed:
      https://www.pearson424.org/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Rigging%20Information%5D
      Ketch:
      Mast height above WL: 48′ 10″ (14.88m)

      Cutter:
      Mast height above WL: 51′ 8″

      for some reason I don’t have those measurements from a Sloop rigged boat

      I believe, however, all bets would be off if you have in mast furling
      because chances are your rig is non-standard

      – pat

      Page Two wrote, On 5/21/14, 3:22 PM:

      If the Army Corp of Engineers are accurate with their numbers my masthead (no instruments etc) is just above or right at 51′. My wind transducer sticks straight out from the masthead, maybe an inch above and that’s what we hit right at the bottom of the bridge.


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    • #80968
      madsailor
      Moderator

      Depth is measured by the mean low of low. Bridge clearance is the mean high
      of highs, normally averages of spring and neap tided.

      Pardon the brevity. I’m typing this on my phone and I hate typing on my
      phone.
      On May 21, 2014 7:48 PM, “pat noordsij” wrote:

      Are these waters tidal? How does the ac of e list the bridge clearance?
      mean high water? those of us in the great lakes would be clueless about
      this… we have seiches but no tides – ..

      according to docs
      [listed: https://www.pearson424.org/tiki/tiki-index.php?page=
      Rigging%20Information]
      Ketch:
      Mast height above WL: 48′ 10″ (14.88m)

      Cutter:
      Mast height above WL: 51′ 8″

      for some reason I don’t have those measurements from a Sloop rigged boat

      I believe, however, all bets would be off if you have in mast furling
      because chances are your rig is non-standard

      – pat

      Page Two wrote, On 5/21/14, 3:22 PM:

      If the Army Corp of Engineers are accurate with their numbers my masthead
      (no instruments etc) is just above or right at 51′. My wind transducer
      sticks straight out from the masthead, maybe an inch above and that’s what
      we hit right at the bottom of the bridge.


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    • #80971
      Anonymous

      Bob, do you have the roller furling?
      I got some local knowledge here that its possible with a north wind blowing for awhile, which it had been for days, the bridge height could be affected. It had come around fairly strong from the east for a full two days as I was traveling though. Seems to me that would put the water down at the bridge.
      I’m going up to measure, although a tad nervous not knowing the condition of the masthead. Two halyards I guess. I’m considering steps, anyone have them?

      Ken

    • #80972
      Tor
      Participant

      Mast ladder steps are a definite plus for a host of
      reasons. If Silverheels hadn’t come with them I
      would’ve added them as I did on my previous cruising
      boat.

      One advantage of being able to scoot up to the masthead
      is this technique for judging bridge clearance: Get
      eye level with the top of the mast and the bottom of
      the bridge as you’re approaching (but still at a safe
      distance for stopping). If the view of the other side
      gets bigger, you’ll fit under the bridge. If it gets
      smaller, you’ll hit the bridge.

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


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    • #80975
      john stevenson
      Participant

      I also have steps on the main mast and would put them on the mizzen if I
      ever get a wind charger.
      I’ve gone up the mast several times to retrieve lost halyards, but not for
      bridge clearance checks.
      A lot easier (and safer IMO) than a bosun’s chair.

      Regards,
      John Stevenson
      http://www.svsarah.com
      Sarah’s Blog

      On Thu, May 22, 2014 at 6:00 AM, Silverheels wrote:

      Quote:
      Mast ladder steps are a definite plus for a host of
      reasons. If Silverheels hadn’t come with them I
      would’ve added them as I did on my previous cruising
      boat.

      One advantage of being able to scoot up to the masthead
      is this technique for judging bridge clearance: Get
      eye level with the top of the mast and the bottom of
      the bridge as you’re approaching (but still at a safe
      distance for stopping). If the view of the other side
      gets bigger, you’ll fit under the bridge. If it gets
      smaller, you’ll hit the bridge.

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


      Quote:

      Original Message


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    • #80976
      Anonymous

      Testing here. I’m posting this from email not the forum…..
      I used to be able to pull myself up while Vicky tended the winch, she never
      had to grind. I’m not so sure I can still do that but I’ll give it a try
      today. The idea of the steps is to still use the chair but keep it easy for
      her to tend. I could ask a neighbor for a hand and I will if I have to, but
      I’m one of those guys that just hates asking for help. Not here of course,
      this is a great way to get advise and ideas without putting people out too
      much.

      Ken

      On Thu, May 22, 2014 at 9:14 AM, John Stevenson wrote:

      Quote:
      I also have steps on the main mast and would put them on the mizzen if I
      ever get a wind charger.
      I’ve gone up the mast several times to retrieve lost halyards, but not for
      bridge clearance checks.
      A lot easier (and safer IMO) than a bosun’s chair.

      Regards,
      John Stevenson
      http://www.svsarah.com
      Sarah’s Blog

      On Thu, May 22, 2014 at 6:00 AM, Silverheels
      wrote:

      Quote:
      Mast ladder steps are a definite plus for a host of
      reasons. If Silverheels hadn’t come with them I
      would’ve added them as I did on my previous cruising
      boat.

      One advantage of being able to scoot up to the masthead
      is this technique for judging bridge clearance: Get
      eye level with the top of the mast and the bottom of
      the bridge as you’re approaching (but still at a safe
      distance for stopping). If the view of the other side
      gets bigger, you’ll fit under the bridge. If it gets
      smaller, you’ll hit the bridge.

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


      Quote:

      Original Message


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    • #80977
      Anonymous

      Still testing…..
      I used to be able to pull myself up while Vicky tended the winch, she never had to grind. I’m not so sure I can still do that but I’ll give it a try today. The idea of the steps is to still use the chair but keep it easy for her to tend. I could ask a neighbor for a hand and I will if I have to, but I’m one of those guys that just hates asking for help. Not here of course, this is a great way to get advise and ideas without putting people out too much.

      Ken

    • #80978
      cstewart
      Participant

      Tor. Since I think of you as a singlehander, I am wondering how you do that mast/ bridge thing.

    • #80979
      unabated
      Participant

      Singlehander here too. Been up the mast using steps a lot. In calm waters using autopilot. A blast. Esp to take pictures.
      Alan

      Sent from my iPhone

      On May 22, 2014, at 10:32 AM, “cstewart” wrote:

      Tor. Since I think of you as a singlehander, I am wondering how you do that mast/ bridge thing.


      "People cannot discover new lands until they have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
      Andre Gide 1869-1951

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    • #80980
      madsailor
      Moderator

      I use a brilliant product called Mast Mate which is a nylon web ladder that
      goes up with slides in the track. Sadly, the mizzen track takes 3/4″
      slides and the main 7/8″ so I have two. I also use them all the time on
      customer’s boats. It’s the only product that will allow you to stand over
      the top of the mast.

      Bob

      Pardon the brevity. I’m typing this on my phone and I hate typing on my
      phone.
      On May 22, 2014 1:13 PM, “Alan” wrote:

      Singlehander here too. Been up the mast using steps a lot. In calm waters
      using autopilot. A blast. Esp to take pictures.
      Alan

      Sent from my iPhone

      On May 22, 2014, at 10:32 AM, “cstewart”

      wrote:

      Tor. Since I think of you as a singlehander, I am wondering how you do

      that mast/ bridge thing.


      “People cannot discover new lands until they have the courage to lose

      sight of the shore.”

      Andre Gide 1869-1951

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    • #80981
      Tor
      Participant

      how you do that mast/bridge thing.

      Simple, I don’t sail where there are bridges. Whenever
      I leave Green Cove Springs, I follow the St. Johns
      River out into the Atlantic and just keep going down to
      the Caribbean.

      😉

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    • #80982
      Anonymous

      @unabated wrote:

      Singlehander here too. Been up the mast using steps a lot. In calm waters using autopilot. A blast. Esp to take pictures.
      Alan

      Sent from my iPhone

      On May 22, 2014, at 10:32 AM, “cstewart” wrote:

      Tor. Since I think of you as a singlehander, I am wondering how you do that mast/ bridge thing.


      "People cannot discover new lands until they have the courage to lose sight of the shore."
      Andre Gide 1869-1951

      This sounds pretty cool Alan…..no doubt!

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    • #80983
      Anonymous

      Got myself up there…only three rest stops. Vicky was nervous for me, I was nervous for her being nervous for me!

      The damage minimal, transducer needs a new 5 point pin, cuppy things (that’s what we call them) and a direction plastic thingy too. Maybe $50 total.

      Mast head height…51′ from the water.
      add 5″ for anchor light
      add 16″ for wind vane and wind transducer (damaged part)
      add 24″ for lightning dissipate thingy
      add 32″ for VHF antenna
      subtract 6″ to 8″ for VHF antenna bendability and I can safely call it….

      53′ MAX

      So no doubt I have the cutter rig. I marked all paperwork aboard accordingly.

      I will get steps….for sure.

      There are two 424’s here in Stuart, FL, anyone else nearby for a possible rendezvous?

      Ken

    • #80984
      madsailor
      Moderator

      I love Stuart! You have to go to American Barbeque (I think) on the north
      side of the river. I forget, but there’s a day in the week where you can
      get all you can eat for like $18.

      Bob

      On Thu, May 22, 2014 at 6:37 PM, Page Two wrote:

      Got myself up there…only three rest stops. Vicky was nervous for me, I
      was nervous for her being nervous for me!

      The damage minimal, transducer needs a new 5 point pin, cuppy things
      (that’s what we call them) and a direction plastic thingy too. Maybe $50
      total.

      Mast head height…51′ from the water.
      add 5″ for anchor light
      add 16″ for wind vane and wind transducer (damaged part)
      add 24″ for lightning dissipate thingy
      add 32″ for VHF antenna
      subtract 6″ to 8″ for VHF antenna bendability and I can safely call it….

      53′ MAX

      So no doubt I have the cutter rig. I marked all paperwork aboard
      accordingly.

      I will get steps….for sure.

      There are two 424’s here in Stuart, FL, anyone else nearby for a possible
      rendezvous?

      Ken


      Ken and Vicky # 91……Writing a New Chapter Page by Page in an Old Book.

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      Bob Fine
      s/v Pelican
      Pearson 424 Hull #8
      http://thesailinglife.blogspot.com
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    • #80987
      Anonymous

      Bob, I’ve looked at the Mast Mate but am disappointed that you need a track, all I have is a slot. I beieve I’m going with Sea Dog folding aluminum steps…
      http://www.go2marine.com/product/209836F/sea-dog-line-folding-mast-step-aluminum.html
      …and bummed I can’t find any at the price they used to be. Has any one used them and did you use threaded SS screws or pop rivets? I don’t think I will go pop rivets figuring they could weaken after lots of use. The only issue I see with screws is they need to be exactly the right length and carefully filed smooth as to not interfere with internal halyards.

      Ken

    • #80988
      petedd
      Participant

      I have these steps and I used 1/4-20 screws and tapped the holes in the
      mast.

      Pete

      On 5/24/2014 3:11 PM, Page Two wrote:

      Bob, I’ve looked at the Mast Mate but am disappointed that you need a track, all I have is a slot. I beieve I’m going with Sea Dog folding aluminum steps…
      http://www.go2marine.com/product/209836F/sea-dog-line-folding-mast-step-aluminum.html
      …and bummed I can’t find any at the price they used to be. Has any one used them and did you use threaded SS screws or pop rivets? I don’t think I will go pop rivets figuring they could weaken after lots of use. The only issue I see with screws is they need to be exactly the right length and carefully filed smooth as to not interfere with internal halyards.

      Ken


      Ken and Vicky # 91……Writing a New Chapter Page by Page in an Old Book.

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    • #80989
      madsailor
      Moderator

      Hey, before you go to seadog, go to marinepartsdepot.com and see if they
      still have folding steps. I have two for the mizzen.

      Bob

      Pardon the brevity. I’m typing this on my phone and I hate typing on my
      phone.
      On May 24, 2014 3:12 PM, “Page Two” wrote:

      Bob, I’ve looked at the Mast Mate but am disappointed that you need a
      track, all I have is a slot. I beieve I’m going with Sea Dog folding
      aluminum steps…

      http://www.go2marine.com/product/209836F/sea-dog-line-folding-mast-step-aluminum.html
      …and bummed I can’t find any at the price they used to be. Has any one
      used them and did you use threaded SS screws or pop rivets? I don’t think I
      will go pop rivets figuring they could weaken after lots of use. The only
      issue I see with screws is they need to be exactly the right length and
      carefully filed smooth as to not interfere with internal halyards.

      Ken


      Ken and Vicky # 91……Writing a New Chapter Page by Page in an Old Book.

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    • #80990
      madsailor
      Moderator

      STAINLESS SCREWS.

      Pardon the brevity. I’m typing this on my phone and I hate typing on my
      phone.
      On May 24, 2014 3:12 PM, “Page Two” wrote:

      Bob, I’ve looked at the Mast Mate but am disappointed that you need a
      track, all I have is a slot. I beieve I’m going with Sea Dog folding
      aluminum steps…

      http://www.go2marine.com/product/209836F/sea-dog-line-folding-mast-step-aluminum.html
      …and bummed I can’t find any at the price they used to be. Has any one
      used them and did you use threaded SS screws or pop rivets? I don’t think I
      will go pop rivets figuring they could weaken after lots of use. The only
      issue I see with screws is they need to be exactly the right length and
      carefully filed smooth as to not interfere with internal halyards.

      Ken


      Ken and Vicky # 91……Writing a New Chapter Page by Page in an Old Book.

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    • #80991
      Tor
      Participant

      If you put stainless steel screws or bolts into the
      aluminum mast, coat each one with LanoCote before
      screwing it in. It will last many years longer and will
      probably still unscrew 10 years from now. Otherwise,
      electrolysis will weld the dissimilar metals together
      and eventually destroy one of them. (Bob, you’ll know
      which metal it’ll eat, I’m sure.)

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


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    • #80992
      madsailor
      Moderator

      Lanocoat – great for everything, including putting impellers in!

      On Sat, May 24, 2014 at 7:59 PM, Silverheels wrote:

      Quote:
      If you put stainless steel screws or bolts into the
      aluminum mast, coat each one with LanoCote before
      screwing it in. It will last many years longer and will
      probably still unscrew 10 years from now. Otherwise,
      electrolysis will weld the dissimilar metals together
      and eventually destroy one of them. (Bob, you’ll know
      which metal it’ll eat, I’m sure.)

      Tor


      Silverheels, P-424 #17
      http://www.silverheels.us


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    • #80993
      Anonymous

      Pete, do you remember what length screws you got? I’d like to not have to cut each one and without an actual step in my hand yet, I can’t make the call on the length.

      Where do I find this LanoCote/Lanocoat? …and what is it?

      What about Lubriplate #115 or maybe the dreaded silvery anti-seize from Permatex?

      Ken

    • #80994
      Tor
      Participant

      LanoCote:
      https://www.google.com/search?q=LanoCote&ie=utf-8&oe=ut
      f-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-
      a&channel=sb

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