The new 52' Buzz Ballenger spar has been installed to replace the original 55' SuperSpar, tabernacled mast. Buzz used a Forespar B6210 extrusion.  A new mast base was fabricated to replace the 8.5' tall tabernacle base. As purchased our E=17', which is a foot shorter than the Westsail blue prints call for and weather helm does not seem to be a problem for us.  The original SuperSpar 19'8-3/4" boom and Watts main will be replaced with a 17'10" Charleston Spars F810 extrusion boom and full batten Dutchmen main utilizing a Tides Strong Track (all acquired 10/05 from a Catalina 400) which happen to fit the shortened mast and match the mast's groove.  Alexander-Roberts Co. bronze turnbuckles were used in conjunction with Norsemann eye fittings at both ends of the 1 x 19 316SS wire. All stays are fully toggled. All wire to the top was increased to 3/8", to compensate for the switch from 304 to 316SS, and the rest is factory standard of 5/16". Spinlock rope clutches were installed with the mainsail's high enough to "haulaway" on. Chainplates were increased to 3/8" thick 316SS.	The original Mariner roller headsail unit and club footed staysail set-up have been replaced by redundant Profurl NC-42 roller units installed by Kern Ferguson. If the weather really turns nasty we may use a sleeved storm jib (see SSJ or ATN Gail Sail) over the rolled staysail or install a third, removeable inner stay to the cabin trunk for a small hank-on sail (just thinking out loud). The new anodized 12V, 1500W Lofrans Falkon windlass sits on the deck using a 4" Micarta spacer by PlastiFab (http://www.plastifabonline.com/), replacing the original Simpson-Lawrence-Francis Type 800 windlass due to parts availability issues. The bolt pattern is different, but luckily the old chain pipe holes lie in the correct positions. A 60lb CQR and 400' of 3/8" G40 chain will serve as the primary anchoring gear. The original 20Kg (44lb) Bruce w/ 40' of 3/8" chain and 250' of rode will move into secondary position. A 20 lb Danforth with 10' of chain and 250' of rode serves as a stern anchor. Two versions of the bow platform were made. The earlier version (shown) mounts to the hull, while the later version mounts to the caprail.
The view from above is pretty darn nice! It's tough getting a 32,000 lb, 13' wide boat into a 15' wide slip with a cross wind. We're still learning. A strategically placed spring line seems to be the key. Drive it in straight (the harder the wind blows, the faster the speed), place the spring line, from the vessel, over the end cleat using a pole. While still in forward gear, place the helm hard to starboard. With the boat sucked up to the dock, jump to the dock and tie off the bow and stern lines. I still feel the urge to pee at the last minute. May the cleat never rip out!	While we love the look of the traditional wooden hatches that come with these boats (especially the true butterfly hatch we had over the salon), the wood on all of ours was beyond repair. Even if the wood was good, they would always be hard to keep from leaking when hit by boarding seas. The choice was made to go with hatches purchased through Pompanette/Hood, and made by Manship. These are a modern design of 316SS. We liked that they are available in custom sizes with reverseable hinges, cam action levers, 180 degree opening angle and 1/2" smoked acrylic. The supports are not of a design that will gall with use. All hatches are presently being replaced. We will replace the deck prism over the head with a fifth, small, aft opening hatch by Manship for better light and ventilation. We are happy with the look of the new hatches. These hatches can also be found on new Gozzard and Hylas yachts.
Barn door rudder. The rudder is made from two fiberglass halves laid up over a 2 inch dia. SS shaft welded to a steel web and filled with foam. It is held at the lower end by a solid bronze gudgeon. 20" dia x 24" pitch three blade prop. Bottom epoxied in 1992 after repairing a handful of blisters port side, amidships, near waterline. Surveyor is Bud Taplin of Worldcruiser Yachts, He was a previous General Manager of Westsail Corp. and is a good source for Westail parts! Just a bunch of unhappy worms at the gudgeon. Yes, you can remove the 1.25" dia. prop shaft on these boats without removing the rudder (note the notch)!