It depends
Hello,
First, it is extremely rare to have lower shrouds at the same angles, laterally or fore-and-aft. Most often, the aft lower has more "sweep" in both planes, which makes for difficulties in tuning; if the same tension is on both wires, the mast will move aft at the attachment point, which is the opposite of what we want. Also, the further the aft lower is swept aft, the sooner the boom hits it when you are off the wind. So I like it when the forward lower has a bit more sweep. But 80 inches? Really? If I understand you correctly, this is really silly. It serves no purpose, and will limit spinnaker pole travel.
As for the external chainplate idea, don't do it. Inboard chainplates, properly installed, can be just as accessible and inspectable as outboard ones.And they can be less vulnerable to corrosion. Plus they will allow for appropriate sheeting angles, and usually make for better deck traffic ergonomics. Oh, and moving the chainplates outboard often makes for problems with compression on the bulwark.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
|