Melges 20 Mast Generations

[GrandWeasel]

M-20 questions:

When did the M20 go to the third generation masts?
How much performance difference is there between the second and third gen masts? I know the first gens were shit, but we're trying to figure out if $15k for a new rig is 100% necessary to be competitive.

 

[WCB]

I think it's a little confusing too. I have a first generation as well and when I chartered it for the Worlds, I was told that it looked great and should be just fine. 

I'm no M20 mast expert, quite the opposite, but I thought that there was only two generations.  A third is likely since the supplier doesn't do the M20 or M24 mast anymore. There's going to be a new builder at some point.

@GrandWeasel I also don't believe the mast makes that much difference and I am of the opinion that it would be better to sail the life out of my current mast and replace it if and when it breaks from racing. Right now the mast is the least of my speed concerns. Looking forward to racing my Melges 20 at the event #3 in Miami in March.

 

[GrandWeasel]

I think it's a little confusing too. I have a first generation as well and when I chartered it for the Worlds, I was told that it looked great and should be just fine. 

I'm no M20 mast expert, quite the opposite, but I thought that there was only two generations.  A third is likely since the supplier doesn't do the M20 or M24 mast anymore. There's going to be a new builder at some point.

I've been made to understand that southern spars manufactures the masts, but the class association still maintains the IP so it must be ordered through either the class or through melges, hence the $15 large price tag

 

[WCB]

I've been made to understand that southern spars manufactures the masts, but the class association still maintains the IP so it must be ordered through either the class or through melges, hence the $15 large price tag

Yes, it's only through Melges.  I had inquired about the cost of a new mast and keel when I had found a Melges 20 hull in a salvage auction.  They're both around $12-15k so the auction wasn't worth it.  

See my note that I added above.  

And I think that Southern Spars stopped making the masts for Melges so they need to find a new source.  I imagine that they have some in stock though because a search on the 'net shows them as available.

 

[KC64000]

My understanding is 1st generation masts were not as stiff as 2nd generation, hence the need for dyform shrouds on 2nd gen.  A few of the 1st gen masts folded around the gnav, so the 2nd gen mast was created with stiffer sections to deal with the pressure at that spot due to vang sheeting in higher winds.

The rigging guides for the 2nd gen with dyform shrouds show much much higher rigging tension, which I understand resulted in cracking of the bulkhead and a Melges provided bulkhead reinforcement.

I had no problems with the 1st gen mast.

 

[WCB]

My understanding is 1st generation masts were not as stiff as 2nd generation, hence the need for dyform shrouds on 2nd gen.  A few of the 1st gen masts folded around the gnav, so the 2nd gen mast was created with stiffer sections to deal with the pressure at that spot due to vang sheeting in higher winds.

The rigging guides for the 2nd gen with dyform shrouds show much much higher rigging tension, which I understand resulted in cracking of the bulkhead and a Melges provided bulkhead reinforcement.

I had no problems with the 1st gen mast.

Interesting...thanks for the history.

This morning I received some interest in my boat being chartered for the Miami event #2.  They may even take it for Miami #3 but I was hoping to go race it myself. As a matter of fact I had just registered for the event but I hadn't paid yet.

 

[IanA.]

McConoghy built the first round of rigs initially but had various design/build issues. Southern Spars in Cape Town were already building the M24 rigs by that point and got the contract to supply the new generatio rigs. Current M20 rigs are being built and supplied under Southern Spar banner built in the Netherlands since the SS Cape Town closure 
 

 

[crashtestdummy]

Have a good M20 for sale that can be had for not much more than a gen 3 mast and it comes with a gen 2 and 3 mast plus set of 3DI sails.  Been sitting since last worlds in Newport after being rigged and tricked out by a former 20 world champ

Ready to roll for events 2 and 3. Located in Mass

 

[WCB]

Have a good M20 for sale that can be had for not much more than a gen 3 mast and it comes with a gen 2 and 3 mast plus set of 3DI sails.  Been sitting since last worlds in Newport after being rigged and tricked out by a former 20 world champ

Ready to roll for events 2 and 3. Located in Mass

I may be in touch. I may have a buyer for mine in Miami and I wasn't expecting to sell it.  I was just debating what my next move was.

 

[USNA78]

I am looking for a reasonably priced Melges 20 for the family to sail for fun in northern Michigan. The boat and rig need to be structurally sound with all of the parts, trailer and sails. I am trying to not pay for a race ready boat. I am planning on making a trip out to Shell Lake WI to look at the 2009 priced at $17,500. I live in NJ and would rather find a boat closer by. Any ideas?

 

[WCB]

I am looking for a reasonably priced Melges 20 for the family to sail for fun in northern Michigan. The boat and rig need to be structurally sound with all of the parts, trailer and sails. I am trying to not pay for a race ready boat. I am planning on making a trip out to Shell Lake WI to look at the 2009 priced at $17,500. I live in NJ and would rather find a boat closer by. Any ideas?

Look above at @crashtestdummy 's post. Great boat, top notch, for the same price.

 

[USNA78]

I am looking for a reasonably priced Melges 20 for the family to sail for fun in northern Michigan. The boat and rig need to be structurally sound with all of the parts, trailer and sails. I am trying to not pay for a race ready boat. I am planning on making a trip out to Shell Lake WI to look at the 2009 priced at $17,500. I live in NJ and would rather find a boat closer by. Any ideas?

Have a good M20 for sale that can be had for not much more than a gen 3 mast and it comes with a gen 2 and 3 mast plus set of 3DI sails. Been sitting since last worlds in Newport after being rigged and tricked out by a former 20 world champ

Ready to roll for events 2 and 3. Located in Mass

crashtestdummy, Please give me a call. 805-208-9421
Mark