Please double check this....it sounds backwards:
ctrout wrote:
I kept seeing this idea that more rake, up to 57 inches, is better for mor my crew weight.
In general, mast is raked further forward (more power) for heavier crew and further back for lighter.
In general, more rake (further back) is better upwind, and less (further forward) is better for downwind. Often in discussions on mast rake two ideas get confused.....1) a given shroud setting limits how far forward the mast can go (which is generally referred to as the rake setting), and 2) for any given shroud setting, you can adjust the rig tension with the forestay setting (which adjusts how far the mast can lean in whichever direction it's pushed by the forces that are acting on it).
Not sure if this has already been addressed, but, it's very important....when you set the boat up with the 44.5" rake, can you still sheet the main in hard (really hard) without going block to block on the mainsheet blocks? If not, then you need to pin higher on the shrouds (and lower on the forestay). The mast needs to be far enough forward that you can flatten the sail when needed.
Given that you aren't racing and don't want the mast popping out of the cup during a capsize, here's my suggestion: Start by finding the combination of lowest shroud pin setting AND your comfortable rig tension (mast-can't-pop-out-of-step-during-capsize forestay setting) that doesn't quite allow the main to go block to block when sheeted hard. Write these settings down and call it max rake (mast as far back as practical).....this is where your gonna want to be during the small craft advisory. Then go up one hole on the shrouds, down on the forestay as necessary for rig tension comfort (won't necessarily be hole-for-hole), and write those settings down. Repeat until you run out of holes somewhere.....this is your min rake (mast as far forward as practical)....where you're gonna want to be during the drifter. Your average happy sailing day setting will be somewhere between these two extremes....I'm guessing toward the min rake end of the spectrum at your weight.
More info just as a reference point.....
I'm no H14 expert, but I do have a lot of H16 experience, and I do have a H14 Turbo that I take out on high wind days.....just for fun when it's too windy to solo the H16. I weigh about 185 lbs., and I keep the H14T mast as far forward as it will go. With my weight, experience level, etc., and given that the boat is easily righted solo, I'm not really concerned about being overpowered on the H14T in anything under about 20 mph (concerned about breaking things?...oh yeah!). In really big air I'll furl the jib, but I never bother raking the mast back. I just have to keep my weight waaaaaay toward the back of the boat and always be ready for pitchpole avoidance actions when sailing off the wind.
Hope this helps some!