[C320-list] What are the pros/cons of destepping the mast for winter storage?

[jonvez at comcast.net]

Tim,

I typically take the mast down every 5 years or so. I go up the mast to check things out twice a season, but I've found no reason to unstep the mast so often--it just creates opportunities for the yard to screw things up when they restep. I know some yards require you to unstep, but fortunately that is not the case up here in New England...

Regards,

Jon

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Tim <chillinonahd at yahoo.com> 

> When I bought my boat last year hull #603, the mast was down and had to be 
> stepped at launching. No real issues but I had a minor problem with VHF antenna 
> and one of the stays was connected wrong to the chain plate. Now that winter in 
> approaching, I do have the option to store my boat either way and was leaning 
> towards leaving the mast intact. Let's here some pros and cons from the group. 
> For me, there is a cost savings but then it would be good to take a good look at 
> the mast while down. Also, I was considering purchasing a cover for the winter 
> and can have it made w/ or w/o the mast in place. Does this cause the cover to 
> leak a bit? 
> 
> Tim 
> 
> 
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