It depends
Hello,
First, I'm assuming that the new mast's dimensions are based on thorough, conservative calculations -- basically, that the old mast was too heavy, and you are correcting things. If so, you can expect less heel in a given windspeed, and thus less weather helm, and less frequent reefing, the degree of which will be determined by how dramatic the weight reduction is.
If it is a very large reduction, you might improve acceleration. Vessel motion will likely change, and in extremes this can lead to a "snappy" motion, but then we are talking about carbon fiber and PBO.
Here's an exercise that might illuminate things for you: determine what your current mast weighs, and subtract from that number the weight of the new mast. Let's say the difference is 50 pounds. Haul a 50 pound weight halfway up the current mast while you are under way, and watch what happens.
As for ballast, lightening the mast will lower the center of gravity, so technically you could remove an appropriate amount of ballast and have the same righting moment, but that is probably not a good idea here. You are more likely to shift ballast, as the vessel will be less bow down in a given windspeed.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss
|