I have a Force 5 built in the early '70s. It was exposed to the outside for about six years, so I am concerned about the integrity of the mast step and hull.
Since I will not tbe racing it, I am planning on getting some glass reinforcement of the mast step and tube, and am thinking of putting stays and a guy line on the mast.
Any suggestions regarding how far up the mast I should attach the stays? If the attachment is too high, there will be a strong downward force component imposed on the mast step, for which the hull may not be designed. If the attachment is too low, the stays' will have a minimal torsional effect on the mast step.
Obviously, I will have to get a sail with a halyard and zipper with this new rig, which I am planning on doing, anyway. Do these zippered sails actually work (i.e.: have you heard of any problems with these zippers bursting open or breaking?)?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you have for me on this. I'm new to it all. Great discussions, BTW. I am learning a lot from you folks!
Since I will not tbe racing it, I am planning on getting some glass reinforcement of the mast step and tube, and am thinking of putting stays and a guy line on the mast.
Any suggestions regarding how far up the mast I should attach the stays? If the attachment is too high, there will be a strong downward force component imposed on the mast step, for which the hull may not be designed. If the attachment is too low, the stays' will have a minimal torsional effect on the mast step.
Obviously, I will have to get a sail with a halyard and zipper with this new rig, which I am planning on doing, anyway. Do these zippered sails actually work (i.e.: have you heard of any problems with these zippers bursting open or breaking?)?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom you have for me on this. I'm new to it all. Great discussions, BTW. I am learning a lot from you folks!