Hi!

I am switching beams between a Nacra 5.5 18sq and a Nacra 6.0. The 6.0 will be widened to 3.3m while the 5.5 will be narrowed to 2.6 m in this process.

The plan is to use the 18 sq mast on the 5.5 together with the bridlefoil of the 6.0 and to add a jib.

I want to order a set of new rigging from Murray and the first question is if the 5.5 18 sq mast is identical with the standard nacra 5.5 mast (in terms of lenght and height of the hounds fitting etc.)?

The 3.3m wide Nacra 6.0 will be sailed singlehanded and with the standard 6.0 mast but without jib in future.

My sailmaker is asking for measurements for this mast.
If anyone ever measured this mast (and maybe even bending curve) that would be from great help as both boats are still in a container right now an will arrive only in a few weeks.

So any help in sharing knowledge is highly appreciated!

Thanks!

Hi Dirk,

How old is the 18sq mast? Is it a US made Sq? Reason why I say, is that the US-made, older 'bendy' 18sq masts WILL NOT TAKE A HEADSAIL. THEY WILL BREAK. I know of several.

In fact, it is well known amongst Squareheads that it's not even a good idea to carry an extra person if your Sq has the older, 'bendy' mast, for the mast will fail.

If that isn't the case, don't worry.

But NO, the 18 Square mast, at least in the US, is NOT, I repeat NOT, identical with the 5.5 mast. It's a lighter gauge extrusion (hence the failures), of different shape, and is a foot or so longer. And I do believe the diamonds are attached differently, but I'd have to go outside and look.

Determine the mfg. of that 18 Square mast. If it's the 'bendy' style, PLEEZE don't hang a headsail on it. You'd be better served to use the 6.0 mast on that rig and hang the Square mast on the widened 6.0

I can give you measures, later today I'll get 'em. My mast is a newer 5.5 uni mast with a foot added to make it to the 18 Square and is prebent. My husband's rig is an older 'bendy' original 1981 model 18 Square mast.

My advice? Leave the Sq alone and modify the 6-meter....

Squares RULE!
tami
NACRA 18 Square "Vileine"
F27 Granger/Smyth "Boudicca"
Ocean Springs Miz'sippeh

ps.Pic is of my old 'bendy' rig...

Hi Tami,

thanks for all the infos and warnings.

I think the boat is from 1989 or 1990.

The mast has the prebend spreaders and is about half a meter shorter than the one from the 6.0 .

I did not weight the mast but it felt noticeable lighter than the 6.0 mast.

The boat is from Europe, Holland and probably imported from the U.S. at that time of production.

Does anyone know if the European 5.5sl and 18sq used the same mast and wirelenghts?

Thanks!

Dirk