Mast step for balanced lug sail

[Jon V]

I'm a longtime canoe tripper, but new to canoe sailing. This past summer, I put together a workable sailing rig for my old 20-foot Grumman and fooled around with a smallish four-sided sprit sail. Since that requires the mast to rotate in tacking, I installed a round mast step. I'm now in the process of upgrading to a larger balanced lugsail--a real one this time, in place of the homemade tape-and-Tyvek original. Since the lug sail mast is not supposed to rotate, I'm wondering if I can retain the round mast step. Will the tension of the downhaul be enough to prevent rotation of the mast? Or should I replace the round mast step with a square one?

Honesty compels me to state that the canoe is question is not a beautiful wood and canvas boat, but an old 20-foot Grumman. I hope that will not subject me to scorn, but if it does I suppose I can bear it.

 

[Benson Gray]

I'm wondering if I can retain the round mast step.

Yes, Old Town sail rigs had round holes in the mast steps until the 1930s before they were replaced with square ones. Some minor rotation may not be an issue with your lugsail. Good luck,

Benson

 

[Jon V]

Be

Yes, Old Town sail rigs had round holes in the mast steps until the 1930s before they were replaced with square ones. Some minor rotation may not be an issue with your lugsail. Good luck,
Benson

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Thanks, Benson--that's good enough for me.