Mast replacement

[stephan shugart]

Does anyone have experience with changing from wood masts to alumuinum masts. Is it possible to change both masts in a ketch without tearing the whole boat apart. The displacemant of the boat is 26400lbs with a LWL of 30'4" and LOA of 37'4" with a sail area of 567 Sq. Ft. I'm not sure if when measuring sail area for a ketch that they include the mizzen. I would like to increase the sail area if possible. But don't I also need to replace the wooden part of the mast that goes down into the hull of the boat.

[mmd]

Yes, it is possible. You will have to modify the existing mast step to mount the aluminium mast base, possibly modify the deck/cabin roof opening to suit the different shape of the aluminium mast, and buy or create a new mast boot to keep the wet out. Presuming that you are keeping the same sailplan, you should be able to keep the rigging points on the hull the same.