What is the difference between the highest fixed point above waterline with mast up and mast down?

• A. 2 ft 0 in
• B. 1 ft 0 in
• C. 0 ft 10 in
• D. 2 ft 6 in

Answer: (A)

Height above the waterline changes with mast position. When the mast is raised, the topmost fixed point on the boat sits higher above the water by roughly the height of the mast (and any gear mounted on it). When the mast is lowered, that extra height is removed, so the highest fixed point drops by about the mast’s height. For this vessel, that height difference is about 2 feet, so the highest fixed point with the mast up is 2 feet higher than with the mast down. That’s why the correct difference is 2 ft 0 in.