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

[Stanley Rogacevicz]

Tim,
   I used the Fairclough mast up version for a few years and although
they are very expensive they do the job very well. The zippers, velcro,
and cinches for the mast and stays make it virtually water proof. I also
stored with the mast down one year and my only problem was I didn't
cinch up the mast and stay holes properly and had some leakage.
   I also echo Jon to keep the yard monkey hands off the rigging and
mast wiring helps to eliminate new problems. Some yards are good....
some are just plain dangerous.
Stan
formerly "Christy Leigh"
c320 #656
Wickford/Narragansett Bay RI

>>> Tim <chillinonahd at yahoo.com> 9/11/2006 10:44 PM >>>
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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