Mast heel position vintage Solo
Hello Solo Guru's I am setting up 2318 at the minute and was looking at the set up guides, they all mention that the mast heel should be 121 inches (3070mm) from the transom, well if I were to do that I would have to knock down my forward buoyancy tank! Mine measures a smidge over 119inches (3026mm) My question is my mast rake measurement must be different to the 'modern' set up as my mast starts in the 'wrong' position. If I set it to 233.9inches (5940mm) that must be incorrect? Any recommendations on appropriate mast rake for a 1973 centre marine solo full FRP, with a needlespar mast, taking into consideration my mast heel position would be much appreciated.
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Looks just right. There are many factors none of which you cant change. ie the transom the bulkhead and thecentrebolt position. You could play with the hole in the centreboard. when worked out I think there is some play ie max 40mm . This can be worth playing with if the boat feels out of balance.(I wouldnt). so what are the other variables?? Well, your sail leech length, mas t type and bend, amount of kicker, boom height. Your mast will almost be around 3050mm from the transoms o thats just right. Put the mast in without chocks. Have the mast in the middle of the deck slot to start with held by the forestay, Set up the shrouds so there is 100mm of movement.Ignore the mast rake stated measurements.
Pull up the mainSail ensure that it is right up and doesnt slip. Outhaul to black band , Kicker on to minimum tension.
Now its the elbow test--- So elbow at the transom corner extend your hand and it should just touch the underside of the boom. Thats it.
Go sailing and see how it works. If the boat is in balance on the helm then thats it. JUst keep an eye out on the leech in the lighter winds as too tight a leech can act as a brake if pinching on inland waters.
Downwind you will find that sailing with the kicker off and sailing by the lee will work quite well if the course allows.
The Needlspar is a flexible mast and responds well to adjustment chocking and changes in rig tension so all good. They were the only mast to use when you boat was built. I f you decide to change mast I will take it off your hands. All this is perfect for a vintage Solo . x