Posted by Brad Kuether (bkuether@…>)
This topic is of interest to me as Freedom 38s/36s are on my short list of “Next boat”. Of the boats I have seen, some have “collars” for boom vangs, and some are drilled. I am assuming by the conversation below that the collar is the better idea, and totally understand why.
My question is, on a 38/36, what came drilled in the mast from the factory? That way I know what to look for… Also, is it felt that any drilled in hardware is bad, or just certain use/types? When I look at some pictures I see cleats, etc. And I totally understand that on any mast, the more holes, the weaker it gets… Just that the mast on these boats is free standing and needs all the strength…
Thanks in advance!
-Brad, Mary, and Monica Kuether"Scholar"84’ C&C 29 MK IIMiddle River, MD
----- Original Message -----
From: Dave_Benjamin
To: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 1:52 AM
Subject: [freedomyachts2003] Re: Tell me about a F 38 1988
What is up with the carbon fiber mast? I can’t believe they> were using carbon fiber back in the 80’s for a mast. What are some> pros and cons? Pros - The rig stays up. Rig failures are rare unlike conventionally stayed boat where failure of a single fitting can put your rig in the water and endanger the boat and crew. Freestanding composite masts have been around for quite a while. There was even a boat builder in the 50’s that built boats with freestanding fiberglass masts. Read Dan Spurr’s book "Heart of Glass."With a Freedom the mast automatically depowers the sail in a puff. You can swing the boom further forward because there is no standing rigging to get in the way. Not having standing rigging greatly reduces the stress on a boat. A conventionally rigged boat has a big stick pushing down on the keel, wires trying to bend the bow and stern like a banana, and chainplates that can be a nightmare in older boats. Cons - mast can be weakened by owners and/or riggers that improperly mount things on them. You can’t just drill a buch of holes in it. To mount a rigid vang you need to have a collar fabricated. If a carbon fiber mast is struck by lighting it’s probably toast. Repair of a CF mast in a third world country could be difficult. If you can talk the owner or broker into anchoring during the sea trial listen for creaking or squeaking sounds while the boat rocks at anchor. It’s nothing to worry about but the noise can be annoying. The boats really look great. How is the mast supported> at the coach roof? any failures at that point?Most Freedoms have keel stepped masts with a substantial aluminum collar at the partner. I think all of the 38’s were built by Tillotson Pearson, Inc. (TPI) Construction is great. The rudders are bullet proof. Best rudderstock arrangement I’ve ever seen in a production boat. > > Thanks for your input in advance,> > Oodah999