Equipment & Gear used on our CR Yachts 400DS sailboat
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Mad Dog Voyager is outfitted with a full suite of Selden sail gear. It is fitted with a 19/20 Rig meaning that the Genoa (the front sail) is attached to the mast almost near the top. There are several styles of rigs and equally as many claims as to which is better), but CR Yachts in conjunction with Selden decided that a 19/20 rig was best suited for the CR Yachts 400DS Mad Dog Voyager.

Our main sail is a Furling Main. This means that the mainsail furls (or rolls up) inside the mast (See 2nd drawing). This is a great bonus and advantage to sailing single- or short-handed. With all of the control lines (the ropes that control the various winches) coming back to the cockpit, we can control all of the facets of the main sail without ever having to leave the safety and security of the cockpit.

While there are several manufacturers of Furling hardware and gear, in our opinion Selden has done an excellent job in designing and manufacturing this type of sail gear.

Mad Dog Voyager has a mast that is approximately 17 meters (55 feet 9 inches) from the attachment at the keel to the top. The mast is a keel stepped mast, meaning that it is attached to the boat at the keel.

The mast is supported by several stainless steel wires that run down to the boat. These wires are all 1x19 stainless steel wire with swaged fittings at the ends. The Forestay (the wire from the top of the mast to the front deck) is 8mm diameter and the Backstay (from the top of the mast to the back (transom) of the boat) is 7mm diameter. There are 6 shrouds (wires that support the mast laterally), 2 outer, 2 intermediate and 2 lower. The outer shrouds are 10mm diameter, the intermediate shrouds are 6 mm diameter and the lower shrouds are 10 mm. These shrouds in conjunction with the Fore- and Backstay support the mast easily, even when under heavy winds and incredible loads.

The mast is fitted with 2 sets of spreaders, both swept aft. These spreaders hold the shrouds away from the mast and because they are swept aft, they actually pull the mast vertically when tightened to the tension of approximately 25% of the breaking load of the wire. This incredible tension keeps the mast incredible stiff while still allowing sufficient flex to take the loads of the wind.

The Backstay can be loosened or tightened depending on the sailing conditions using the Selden Backstay Tensioner.

The mast is fitted with various cleats, winches and hooks in order to allow for all the lines, ropes, etc., to be securely attached and tied off. Click here to see an enlargement of the technical drawing of the Selden Furling Mast.

 

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