Winter Mast Storage

[jneely]

I have always had the mast on our CD27 unstepped and stored indoors each winter. I am thinking of leaving it on the boat this year. I am interested in hearing any opnions on leaving the mast stepped. I particularly want to know if keeping the mast stepped leads to any extra stress on the boat. Also, does it make getting a leak proof shrink wrap more difficult. Additionally, I have a CDI furler (I highly recommend it.) and wonder if being exposed to the elements could lead to damage. All responses appreciated.

[Jim Walsh]

There are no guarantees that damage will not occur but it is common for boats in southern New England to leave their spars in place over winter. If your boat is left in the water no undue stress will occur, if you will be stored on land placing the jack stands appropriately, taking into consideration the additional windage, is vital.

[jneely]

Thanks. Any advice on the proper tensioning of the stays for winter on the hard?

[Jim Walsh]

Thanks. Any advice on the proper tensioning of the stays for winter on the hard?

No adjustments necessary.
Some people like to remove their halyards and replace with flag halyard line just to save some wear and tear.....chafe is your real concern so ensure all lines are led to ensure they are chafe free.

[Neil Gordon]

My mast is up more often than not. The CDI furler has shown no effects from winter in New England, whether the mast is up or down... and it's never been stored inside.

Yes, it's hard to get a cover around the rig, and a totally waterproof seal is nearly impossible.

[MHBsailor]

Last winter I stored my TY Senior with the mast down and across the length of the boat with shrink wrap over both
(the shrink wrap is re-usable). There is an entrance flap on the port side aft (not pictured). Dry as a bone under the shrink wrap all winter .

[Bill Goldsmith]

Some boat owners loosen the shrouds and stays a few turns on the hard, under the theory that the boat incurs different stresses blocked on land than in the water, the rig having been tuned for being in the water. Some cite the need to re-tune their rigs once or twice after launching as the boat re-adjusts to being in the water as evidence that the hull flexes enough to register in rig tension. I'm not convinced that it makes any difference for boats built Cape Dorys. I have owned two CDs (a 27 for 4 years and a 32 for 16 years) and have never experienced this effect. It may be more of a thing with lighter fin keel designs. I don't think any adjustment is needed for CD's but as long as the spar is supported well, I don't think loosening the standing rigging a little does any harm either.