MARLOW-HUNTER MH31, Operator'S Manual

Page: 201 / 267

Sails and Rigging
12.1
Standing Rigging). Marlow-Hunter provides a conven-
tional mast as standard allowing full control of mainsail
management to the sailer. Marlow-Hunter also offers an
optional roller furling mast providing easier mainsail stow-
age and deployment by rolling the mainsail in or out of
the mast. (The choice between conventional or in-mast
furling will also impact the boom, running rigging and the
mainsail - all discussed in subsequent sections.)
The mast also provides the perch for navigational lighting
along with weather instruments.
Attaching the mast is referred to as stepping the mast
and is part of the commissioning process. Your Marlow-
Hunter is a deck stepped mast. The mast base is posi-
tioned onto a receiver, or mast step (Fig. 12.1), located
on the deck. Mast stability and support is provided by the
standing rigging (strategically placed cables and hard-
ware) and the compression post, which provides deck
support beneath the mast’s position. Stepping the mast
will require the assistance of a crane and should only be
done by trained and experienced riggers.
Figure 12.1
Your Marlow-Hunter is considered a fractional rig. This
refers to the positioning on the mast of the support cables
(stays/shrouds) below the top of the mast (masthead).
M
arlow-Hunter’s continuous design goal for the sail and
rigging layouts is maximum performance with safe and
undemanding management. The conventional or optional
furling rigs, the design of the sails, deck layout/hardware
placement and an organized and clutter free line man-
agement all work together to provide a fluid and exciting
sailing experience. Marlow-Hunter has and continues to
be on the industry’s leading edge of sail and rigging inno-
vation.
If this is your first boat of this type or are changing to a
new and unfamiliar boat, please ensure you obtain han-
dling and operating experience before assuming com-
mand. The information in this chapter is not intended as
a course on boating safety or seamanship. To gain sailing
experience and knowledge, your dealer, national sailing
federation or yacht club will be pleased to advise you of
local sea schools and/or competent instructors.
As always, never underestimate the potentially danger-
ous power of wind, tide and the sea. Ensure there is suf-
ficiently trained and proficient crew on board to handle the
boat and its operating systems even in adverse conditions.
WARNING
! !
Refer to the Boating Safety, and the Getting Under-
way chapters for safe boat handling information.
The rig of your boat refers to the mast, boom, rigging and
integrated hardware (Fig. 12.14). This chapter will spe-
cifically discuss the following rig and sail categories:
Mast
Standing Rigging
Boom
Mainsail
Head Sails
Running Rigging
Rigging the boat
Sail Reefing and Stowing
Supporting Hardware
12.1 Mast
Your main and most vital rig component is the mast, also
referred to as the main spar. It carries the sails and is
supported by the standing rigging (see section below on
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.