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Comment by Björn on August 30, 2010 at 1:46am

Hi Patrick,
which windlass did you use? Is it a Lewmar? Which model?
I really like the modification. It will also help the "wobbling" of the mast foot due to its much wider base. Do you know how much weight it added?

Regards Björn

Comment by Patrick on August 30, 2010 at 1:39pm

Hi Björn,

The windlass is a MUIR type VRC 1250.

I don't know the additional weight of the broader mastcase. I did have problems with the mastcase on several occasions, resulting into rot. I then had it repaired by a local carpenter in Langkawi. Nevertheless on my last sailing trip the mast came down when at sea. We were lucky no one got hurt. I realized later that I wrongly judged the quality of the repair work, which was not strong enough to keep the mastcase together. So the mastcase collapsed and down came the mast. Gunther Nutt offers this modification on the 38's. I thought it was a good idea. To be honest with you I did not think about weight. I was seduced by the idea of a stronger construction, and the convenience of being able to use two ankers. I haven't been on the boat since then. I hope to go back to Langkawi early next year to try her out.

Comment by Björn on August 31, 2010 at 2:33pm

Patrick,
Which problems did you have with the mastcase? I am just worried I might have something similar hidden since our boats come from the same "specialist" boat builder.
Björn

Comment by Patrick on August 31, 2010 at 3:02pm

Björn,

The shrouds were not tight enough, and the pressure of the mast on the sides of the mastcase was too much. As a result it cracked the mastcase. We noticed the damage only much later. It was too late, rot had set in already. That's why I had the mastcase taken away and repaired in a workshop. I'll see if I can post a picture of the repair work and you will understand why the mastcase collapsed.
At leastthat is what I think.

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