Tall to Standard rig conversion

[tntgeddie]

Hello again, Tony here still pursuing the purchase of a standard rig 36. Thanks for all the replies to my last post "New boat issues". I ended up not purchasing the boat I described and found another w/o the problems described (leaking chain plates, etc.). I was ready to move on it and then came a cross a better deal but.... here is new delemma. I must pass under a bridge posted as 53 ft so I can't take a chance on a tall rig. I have to have the standard rig. Standard rigs are not as plentifull in my area (Annapolis MD). I found a tall rig at a good price up north and the broker says they can have it converted to a standard rig included in the purchase price.

Soooo.... I am looking for any advice or experience in doing this. Other than the obvious difference in height, are there any other differenced between tall & standard rigs? I know the boom is longer on a tall rig (dont know how much). The sails will have to be altered, assume the roller furling will as well. I don't know if you can just cut down the mast & replace the boom or if the tall rig boom could remain. A hundred other questions come to mind. Any information or advice here is appreciated.

Tony

[LCBrandt]

Logic says that it should be doable. If the candidate boat is already on the hard, then easier than having to pull the stick specifically for this. You'll have to get your rigger and sailmaker involved.

Another idea is to post on the classifieds on this site a willingness to exchange tall for standard. There may be (probably would be) another C36 owner out there wanting to "upgrade" to tall rig, and who would be willing to do an even-over swap of all affected parts. Condition would have to be somewhat equivalent, though, to make the deal truly "even over".

[LCBrandt]

If the bridge is 53 ft, then even with a standard rig you may have issues.

First, you probably ought to run a 100 ft measuring tape up a halyard to VERIFY what the overall height would be, then add something for the VHF antenna. Don't trust a spec sheet, as your mast is at risk.

If the chart says 53 ft clearance, that would be from MHW, of course. You could do the calculation and figure out how much actual clearance you would have at various tide levels. Depending on tide range, some days you probably wouldn't want to do it.

[jackfstewart]

Tony, If you look back at the C36 classifieds you will see that Chic Lasser, out of Rochester, NY had a std mast for sale complete for $4500 last summer. You might want to contact him since the add is still there.

Jack F Stewart
1993 C36 #1233 "Windancer"
Port Clinton, OH

[Creedence623]

That sounds like a good deal, getting them to convert it at no extra charge. A sign of the times maybe?