Inverted Vee Mast?

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by HomeyD5, May 6, 2006.

  1. HomeyD5
    Joined: May 2006
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    Location: North Carolina

    HomeyD5 New Member

    Has anybody ever made a rig with a double mast in the shape of an inverted
    vee? Simple idea, two smaller masts deck-stepped where the shrouds would
    normally be anchored, and joined at the top. Forestay and backstay would
    provide the tension to compress the split mast to the deck. Pros: eliminates
    the shrouds, stays, etc; spreads the compression load to the sides of the boat;
    no need for keel-stepped mast to occupy valuable centerline space in the
    cabin; could run two mainsails, one each on each mast; mainsail on lee mast
    would be vertical when the boat heeled. Cons: more windage, though the
    lack of shrouds and the smaller mast diameters would keep it to a minimum;
    turbulence created by the weather mast would reduce the efficiency of the
    sails downwind. Seems like a straightforward idea, I'm sure it's been done
    before.
     
  2. SeaSpark
    Joined: Mar 2006
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    SeaSpark -

  3. messabout
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: Lakeland Fl USA

    messabout Senior Member

    The bipod rig has been in place for centuries. Some of the Polynesion boats used that method. If well executed the system has some merit. One of the advantages is that the "masts" can be fairly short. These rigs usually have a main that is similar to a lateen as the sail will necessarily have a raked leading edge. Marchaj and others have postulated that lateens are considerably less efficient than other types. Sunfish sailors belabor that point. The lateen has some plusses nonetheless. Among those are the ability to change the balance of the rig quite easily.

    If one makes the bipod tall enough to join at the head of the sail, the luff can be near vertical. The disadvantage is weight aloft. I would argue that such a rig is appropriate for puddle duck type play boats but not the best choice for large boats. Yes Procyon has such a system, but it costs megabucks to do it as well as they have done.
     
  4. Skippy
    Joined: Nov 2004
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    Skippy Senior Member

  5. Wellydeckhand

    Wellydeckhand Previous Member

    Have anybody seem an old Indonesian Jung sail in Borobodur wall carving? they reproduce the similar sail boat with wooden v -inverted sail frame:) I will scan picture and post later.

    WDH
     

  6. sharpii2
    Joined: May 2004
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    Location: Michigan, USA

    sharpii2 Senior Member

     
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