Lowering mast to precisely 16' what angle 45 degrees??

Rick Webb · Nov 19, 2013

Winch

No winch is needed you use the main halyard on the 23.5. It has a 4:1 purchase. The first couple of feet are a bit of an effort then it is fairly easy. I could be on the water in 30 minutes after pulling up to the ramp when I was trailering mine frequently.

Get the manual and see how the system is set up.

sesmith · Nov 19, 2013

Counting Stars said:
Forgot to mention plenty of restaurant docks on both sides of the bridge that could be utilized to carry out this exercise!!

If they have outside dining you could be the entertainment, especially if you don't make it

Seriously, get the gin pole for your boat and drop the mast using the main sheet and jib halyard. Stow the mast between the mast crutch and the bow rail. It's a piece of cake to do this and you'll have no worries on your trip.

If you have to do this every time you want to use the boat, I'd find a different place to keep it.

Jackdaw · Nov 20, 2013

Counting Stars said:
Would the calculation remain the same for lowering the mast??? I was going to design a crutch that would hold it at the prescribed 16' mark... do you think while sitting in the crutch two lines port and starboard to give it some lateral support????

Yes no matter what direction or method (heeling or lowering) The mast will have to be at that angle (or more).

Once the shrouds go slack they offer NO lateral support to the mast. Its why the process has risk. Once the mast is in the crutch, it is safe as long as the crutch is well braced.

I personally would build a very secure crutch that would hold the mast at the desired clearance. The trick is having a easy and reliable way to get it from vertical to the crutch, and back.

Rick Webb · Nov 20, 2013

The Diagram will Not Apply

The mast is about 30' long and will be about 5' above the water line where it starts to swing back at the mast step.

I believe that just laying the mast back into the crutch from the hinged mast step will get you under a 16' bridge.

The 23.5 has an extra set of shrouds just for raising and lowering the mast so there is no issue there. Get the manual and make sure you have all of the parts for the mast raising system and know how it works.

Rick Webb · Nov 20, 2013

The other issue with the Diagram

The 90 degree angle is on the wrong side. You want to measure 16' straight up to the end of the mast not 16' 90 degrees out from the mast that measurement is useless. Not that it is significantly different just not the correct angle for what you are trying to figure out.

Jackdaw · Nov 21, 2013

Rick Webb said:
The 90 degree angle is on the wrong side. You want to measure 16' straight up to the end of the mast not 16' 90 degrees out from the mast that measurement is useless. Not that it is significantly different just not the correct angle for what you are trying to figure out.

LOL you're right. The site I used to draw that didn't like the ASA combination I used and turned it around.

Benny17441 · Nov 21, 2013

It has been said before but let me reinforce the notion that as long as you are lowering the mast go ahead and drop it all the way into a mast crutch. You do not want any lateral movement on that mast. Any waters used by powerboats cannot be assured to be calm 100% of the time. As a word of advice that is bound to get old real quick and will seriously limit your enjoyment of the boat. Do not see the desireability of keeping a sailboat at such location.

BrianW · Nov 22, 2013

... And remember... after you lower the mast to whatever angle... like when you carry a long piece of lumber on your shoulder, you have to remember where the other end is. BrianW

Crazy Dave Condon · Nov 23, 2013

Since the introduction of the 23.5 by me, I will chime in as I had many customers with low bridging.

You will need to measure the back end of the mast or top of the mast to the waterline while sitting in the crutch. That will give you a determination as to what you can do. Also, check the mast raise pole as to height if left up as it might be higher than the back end of the mast.

Some folks have in the past tried to lower the mast further putting it off the the side of the mast crutch putting strain on the mast step and mast retaining pin which could damage that. The thought of heeling that boat over with a water bottle or water bag is nuts as you will loose rudder control. Therefore, if the top of the mast cannot clear the low bridge with it sitting in the mast crutch, forget it unless you want to take the mast pin out of the mast step thus disconnecting the mast from the mast step altogether.

Rick Webb · Nov 23, 2013

Good Tip on the Gin Pole Dave

I did not think of that and I can see with all the focus on the top of the mast how that could be missed and do some serious damage.

Crazy Dave Condon · Nov 26, 2013

Counting Stars;

if you have seen my posts, the 23.5 was my child from the get go. Therefore I will speak from experience and knowledge.

With the mast down on the mast crutch, you will need to measure the top of the mast to the water line. If it clears that bridge height but it is close, make sure no boats are coming thru while you are going thru or the wake will cause the mast to hit the bridge if too close. You can always detach the mast from the mast step but in no circumstances try to lean the mast to any side or you will break seals, cause damage to the mast step and bottom of mast and so on.

Forget the crap about heeling plus you will loose steerage. I speak from experience on this as I have put boats in many places with low bridging. Just look and if possible, then try but forget going the extreme.

crazy dave condon

Crazy Dave Condon · Dec 3, 2013

You will find this to be a great forum for information on your boat and do not forget the information on your boat to be found under boat information above.

Lowering mast to precisely 16' what angle 45 degrees??

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