In a message dated 2/14/03 9:31:17 AM, stever@mail.saabnet.com writes: << I am thinking of putting a block of wood under the mast base bracket to raise the boom, and have more headroom under a bimini. I would need new shrouds, a new forestay and a tether to hold down the tack of the jib. Plus some long bolts to fasten the bracket through the wooden block. Am I missing anything here? Are there any reasons not to do this? Thanks, Steve R. >> Steve, Another alternative is to recut your main (raise the foot) so as to not incur cost of new rigging. This would obviously reduce your sail area somewhat, and you would not want to take too much or you would risk upsetting the CE balance. If you only needed a few inches, it might work. Scott Grometer M15 #478 'bebe'