mast step settings?

[Paul Gillard]

Does anyone play round with the settings in the mast box on the cockpit floor? Mine was set in the middle and have left it at that for all conditions but am wondering whether I should be playing around with it. Having no other vipers to sail against means that some fine tuning areas may be neglected? Any feedback appreciated.
Paul.
Growler 20

[Brian Bennett]

Hi Paul,

Because you are using a NZ Fosters aluminum mast your settings will be different to any of the carbon rigs where the inclination is to move the rig aft at the Butt. Some of this depends on which generation rudder you are sailing with. The later Bennett boats do have the straight profile Vs. the knuckle forward (over balanced Vs. of the early boats of which yours may be categorised). The Viper is light to negative on the helm. The desire is for very light windward helm which can really only be achieved with the newer rudder profile. If you can tell me what your rudder is (or send me a pic.) I would be happy to advise further. I general though, the rig wants to be as far aft as the helm (and the class rules) allow.

Cheers,

Brian

[Paul Gillard]

Thanks for your reply Brian-my rudder has a straight leading edge profile and boat v. light helm with slight windward helm. One of the things I am trying to achieve is better pointing as sailing in a mixed fleet the whole time (and espec in w/l's) I find the boat sails slightly lower than my competitors-in lighter winds I barberhaul the jibsheet with the windward one and this does help to some degree but is not an overall solution. I know the Viper jibtrack gives a fairly open slot but did not really want to put another inboard track on without trying all other options.
  Any comments appreciated- maybe time for new sails!!!

[Lee Shuckerow]

Do you use the split tail main sheet system? With tha system you can get the boom to centerline and then move your jib car and sheet the jib tighter all of which will help you point better. Also on te rig mor rake will help you point better. Longer forestay?

[Olaf Bleck]

Setup:
Bennett Boat (#56)
Straight Rudder
Tin Rig
Blowin' Stink in Charleston

Not much fun to sail upwind... but alas, no carbon for me yet...

So, where to step the mast for this and how much to block?

Right now I have it all the way back in the track and a 2x4 block in front, uppers at 38 and lowers pretty slack.