Mast Base Pin replacement question & Gin Pole groove?

[abk]

Last year when I lowered the H 26 mast I had a hard time removing the bolt that mounts the mast to the base and the mast pivots up on this.

I had to hammer out the bolt and it's bent up.

The big question is what size is that bolt? I'd measure it but the boat is some distance away right now. The sell a "pin" here that is 5/16 in diameter... I think what I removed was larger. Is it a standard size?

Could it be 7/16's?

Also, the gin pole I use to step the mast has no groove on the bottom. I have been successful with out the groove but should I cut a groove into it?

Thanks in advance

 

[mmsailor]

Last year when I lowered the H 26 mast I had a hard time removing the bolt that mounts the mast to the base and the mast pivots up on this.

I had to hammer out the bolt and it's bent up.

The big question is what size is that bolt? I'd measure it but the boat is some distance away right now. The sell a "pin" here that is 5/16 in diameter... I think what I removed was larger. Is it a standard size?

Could it be 7/16's?

Also, the gin pole I use to step the mast has no groove on the bottom. I have been successful with out the groove but should I cut a groove into it?

Thanks in advance

I just replaced our mast pin with a 5/16 grade 8 bolt and wing nut . Our boat is a 23.5 but I doubt it is larger than that .

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

What folks do not realize when mast is down, pressure is exerted on the base in several directions. Let me make a suggestion which the phrase wiggle wiggle is funny.

Have a second person standing in the cockpit with feet on either side of cockpit coaming seats grab the spreader bars and wiggle in all directions. The pin in most cases comes out or in and it has worked well for me over the years. Try the wiggle wiggle.

 

[Regular Guy]

abk;
I had some work done on my H260 mast and got a new mast foot pin as well. The old pin was still in my garage so I could make a photo and measured the size for you. Hope it helps.

Regarding the gin pole grove; I would recommend to cut a groove. The mast profile shows where the pole meets the mast is a bump, a concave end would hug nicely around. The bump inside the mast comes from the the outside groove where the sail is attached and goes all the way up.
Hart

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I agree with the other Dave. It is usually my furled jib on a spreader causing a binding on the pin.

It is easy to remove the pin when all binding forces have been removed. This usually does take a second person.

As for the grove in the gin pole, thats to fit the chase inside the mast. It is not critical to have that grove. If your pole is stainless, it may be more trouble to cut the grove that to use the pole without the grove.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Dave;

It is critical to have that groove. it keeps the end of the pole from rotating but most important it will not wear out the tube inside as I have seen that happen which is a potential source of weakening that mast. Seen it happen and a failure occurred as a result of no curve cut out from a home made mast raise pole.

 

[abk]

I



I will cut a groove back in Dave... What I am wondering is where did the groove that was in it go? Also I posted some new trailer coupler questions that I hope you can help me with... Thanks,

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

that groove everyone is talking about is the sail track groove which is rounded inside. It is also structural.

Replace the brake actuator and lines. Yes, bite the bullet but best not to screw around with the brakes as you need them on the 26 trailer.

 

[shanker]

That groove is important as Dave stated. Here is my build. Just make sure the groove or birds mouth (in my story) is cut in the same direction as the top wire.

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=971105&highlight=gin pole

 

[abk]

Thanks for the tip...