Mast attachment point

[keithayork]

Two questions.

1. Does your boat have one of these?

2. What is it? It looks like an attachment point for an inner forestay, I know, but is it?

 

[bob_mcdonald]

Could be for attaching a block for a spinnaker pole uphaul.

 

[Warren Holybee]

Mine has one. It is too low for an inner stay. It might have been intended for a topping lift for a spinnaker pole. However, I have an additional block halfway between the spreaders and the masthead that I use for that.

 

[terry_thatcher]

Yes, I use it for pole topping lift. As Warren said, cutter stay would be higher--parallel to forestay, starting at the aft anchor locker bulkhead. I have a chainplate there, but no attachment on the mast for the cutter staysail stay. At the same mast location for the staysail stay, one would also have to have tangs for running backstays. That is why I chose a Solent Jib.

 

[yurek]

I think it was design for spinnaker pole topping lift. It is so strong I'm using this attachment point for inner forestay. I made two ss plates for both sides of the aluminum weldet plate to attach Spectra stay and halyard. Picture shows only one side. The second bolt is for inner forestay.
See also my previous writing about Genoa. I also install tracks on cabin top to have proper sheet angles. The jib is small, but with 3-rd reef on main at spreaders high should be good for heavy weather.

 

[Jake]

Hi everyone, just got a Morgan 382. I was looking for a photo of this part of the mast. May I ask what is the white capsule-like antenna or device above this attachment point?

 

[Warren Holybee]

View attachment 9033Hi everyone, just got a Morgan 382. I was looking for a photo of this part of the mast. May I ask what is the white capsule-like antenna or device above this attachment point?

Looks like a radar reflector.

 

[Jake]

Looks like a radar reflector.

Thank you. Finally got a name for it-Firdell Blipper radar reflector!

 

[terry_thatcher]

I have used a Davis Instruments aluminum reflector for years. Lasts forever and seems to provide a good return signal. I have it hung on the upper part of the backstay. You may want to do some research on the effectiveness of the Blipper. I think Practical Sailor did a review a decade or more ago. The cheap Davis that I use seemed to be the best, but that is only my memory. But then there is this. https://www.practical-sailor.com/marine-electronics/to-see-and-be-seen. And this. https://www.practical-sailor.com/marine-electronics/tri-lens-radar-reflector
I always run my AIS and ships then know I am there. They have even changed course for me when a jibe or tack would be inconvenient.

 

[Warren Holybee]

So certainly not the "recommended" tactic, but I removed my Davis reflector and keep it in a locker. I don't think a reflector makes a difference with any radar sold in the past 10 years or so. A modern radar can see birds, rain, small wooden rowboats, and even some floating debris. In many conversations with both other sailors and with large ships, the Morgan has a very strong return without any reflector at all.
If you chance by a boat with a 30 year old vacuum tube type radar, they will need the reflector to be able to see us. It's pretty rare to see those, as the tubes need regular replacement, and mostly are not available anymore.

 

[chawakee]

Viewing the “mast tang” image. ... the mast spreaders visually appear to be backwards.
Rob McCabeMcCabe

 

[BJoslin]

Nice catch Rob. Checked a picture of my spreaders and those are backwards compared to mine. But I honestly wouldn’t know if it was mine that are backwards.