I am designing a wooden sailboat, I am an amatuer to be sure but it would seem that there are forces at work to keep me on dry land, I just need mast height for a simple rigging and cant find anything except all the reasons not to do it. I mean really can I get a straight answer here…..I understand it like asking what type of water to drink but I could use a real answer.
LOL I have 2 17 yr old rbber teenagers to do that
The boat is 18 ft long….srry
1- youll die
2- its not safe
3- itll sink
4- trust me its gonna be like hell
5- are u dumb enough to try ur own boat let somebody else try it
and the rest its not safe
It is completly possible to build and sail your own boat. I did just that last year. Sold it for more than I had in to it. The easiest way is to just do a search for plywood boats. Best material for a novice, there are kits and plans available, that can be modified to meet your needs.
WOW!
I can’t think of one good single reason to keep a person from sailing their homemade boat. . . Why do you even ask?
From the sound of things (what you wrote) You seem to be your worst enemy here. . . Why are you so negative about it?
But to answer your question regarding the mast. . .
The maximum length mast that a boat can carry is determined by the righting potential of the boat (the boats ability to remain upright in relation to the wind and effect of the sails and mast. The righting moment is effected by the “width” of the boat and hull shape, (not the length of the boat) and also by the weight and length of the keel, and placement of the ballast (how low the weight on the keel).
You did design a ballast keel? Right?
So generally, the boat designer determines the height of the mast, based on the “righting moment” of the hull. In your case, your vessel could tip over with a 10 foot mast. . . but in all cases I know of, the mast is usually at least as high as the boat is long and usually a bit longer.
Course, I have no idea how old you are. . . Nor do I know anything about how or on what bases you designed your sailboat. Though you mention designing it yourself – did you have any guide lines, or facts about center of gravity and center of balance? Or did you just draw something that looked good on paper?
Whatever. . . I am sorry, but you won’t get a negative response from me. . . I am one of those old salts that 52 years ago (beginning at age 10) built a half dozen boats before I built one that would float more then a few minutes. (Finally, my Dad – (either gave up or gave in – I’m not sure which) and bought me a Glen-L book of boat building plans, and I have been building boats ever since.
(Yes, for all you boat builders out there – Glen-L was selling their boat building books and plans in the 1950’s. . . )
It is as the saying goes: “if you dream it – do it” and that goes hand in hand with “if you build it – sail it” – That is, of course, provided it floats.
I have provided you with two links. One is all about masts and rigging. The other is simply Glen-L’s boat building website. The site has plans, and (in addition) lots and lots of good “free” information such as tips, help, how to, and everything else you need to know about boats, and boat building.
I am 62 years old. . . the last 6 boats I built have all been live a-board and cruising vessels over 44 feet. I live and cruise on one, my son (now 42 years old) also lives and sails (all over the world) on one.
So, you won’t get a negative response from me. . . “Dream it – then do it. I always say. And that goes hand in hand with “if you Build it – then sail it”
But my suggestion is, you should seriously consider buying plans. Cause until you really understand the forces and dynamics of the wind and sails, and water, keel, and ballast – I can guarantee you – you will never get it right by guessing, and you will waste an awful lot of time, effort, money, and lumber.
So either go to school and get a $250,000 Marine Engineering Degree – or – for about $200 or less – you can simply buy tried, true, tested, proven, boat plans.
Capt. John