DRAGONFLY Trimarans User Forum

Multihull Maven states the DF1000 has a rotating mast. What I found on #17 is confusing. The mast does rotate, about 5 degrees, so not truly a rotating mast, at least not enough to make a difference. Once the mast was lifted for shipment though, I found the mast does not sit on a ball, but has a key like assembly (fixed post with rectangular base on the mast) fitting into to the mast step with the line blocks over the centerboard line trunk.

So two questions:

1. Is the OEM mast supposed to rotate or has the mast base assembly just worn to the point allowing the 5 degree rotation?

2. Is a true rotating mast worth the effort on a DF? Granted worth is subjective, but if a rotating mast gives a 25% increase, 'tis significant.

1. Some 1000Rs supposedly had rotating masts.
2. The penalty is ~ 10%

It's wear.

When I pulled my mast a year ago, I had a welding shop take up the wear.

It didn't cost much at all to have the mast step welded.

I just had him overdo it slightly just to the point the post was an interference fit and then I filed things until the mast square post fit perfectly.

Now my masthead instruments work correctly and the mast doesn't move at all.

Steve B.

Good to know!