Just starting to look into Merlin’s and I have a question…

What are the real advantages in the deck stepped mast?

Is it primarily to allow better control over the mast when using the raking rig systems or is there more to it…

It would just help me decide what I should be spending my money on.

Cheers

Ian

Quote from the link below:
During the late 1980's, from boat number 3413 (Canterbury Tales) the shift back to deck stepped rigs began, and the technique of depowering by introducing mast rake became the norm. Deck stepping the mast means that the spreaders remain effective across a wider rake range, and enables crew weights to reduce to the 22 stone mark, while remaining fully competitive.

Basically Ian more recent boats built since the tread above just about all boats have been built with deck steped rigs, it was fairly quickly followed by carbon rigs & kevlar sails. So basically it's a case of if you want to compete well at open meeting level you'll need a resonably up to date boat, they all are of course deck stepped / kevlar clad. Now it gets more fun at Club level were as in most classes it's a well tweaked & sailed older boat that can often (alais not always) out perform a badly sailed newer boat. There are many old sages that will tell you to buy the best most up to date boat you can afford and be happy with it. Check out the Clubs were Merlins are sailed & the design guide to avoid the odd mongrel. Also the now non fashionable builders built some gems now appearing very resonably on the  Web'Boats For Sale' list the Niane (tales derivative) looks a snip at £1500. Again if it's an older boat thats dictated by your bugget don't be put off the class have a list of RYA endorsed PY no's which give older boats a chance at club handicap fleet level. Hope you find & enjoy one Regards Barry.

Deck stepping allows a thinner=softer mast to be used, so it will bend readily in stronger wind depowering the rig automatically.  Coupled with raking the rig back which opens the slot and moves the centre of effort aft this vastly improves ease of handling in strong wind.  If you are mainly sailing inland on restricted water particularly rivers this is of less importance.  Very much depends on your budget.  If you can afford £2000 then Skimbleshanks 3474 has just appeared on the list, an early Canterbury Tales with a good record, though reading between the lines the sails are past their best.  If you are budgeting below £1000 then don't get too hung up on deck-stepped rigs as many will have been converted with greater or lesser success and competance - look for condition above all as this can really cost you time and money to sort out.

Thanks for the well informed and detailed replies guys.

Fortunately I don’t live to far from Whitstable so I will take a trundle down there one weekend. Unfortunately this of course means I then have to give up a days sailing….

Ian

Ian,

Make it Sat June 10th and you'll find a Merlin Race Training day going on, or w/e 1st July is the Silver Tiller Meeting there. Ask for John Cooper of Phil Emery and they will guide you through.

If you want to ring ahead, I am sure that on June 10th you would be able to get a sail in one of their fleet.

Look forward to welcoming you aboard.

GGGGGGGGG

Ian - visit Whitstable whenever you like, give me a ring first 01795 534129 or 07973 149037 and I will make sure someone is there to look after you.  Incidentally there are two deck stepped Merlins for sale at the club!
Look forward to seeing you
John