So many different gin pole setups all with individual issues. I cannot for the life of me get the gin pole to stop slipping where it attaches to the mast. I’m using a 5’ 2x4 with a saddle notched for the mast and, I use a ratchet strap to secure it to the mast. I cut 2 smaller 2x4 sections and notched those and added one top and bottom of the mast end of the gin pole for extra support. The lifting end of gin pole is connected to the mast by the halyard. The gin pole has a winch and a line from the forward end to the chain plate on the bow. I also have baby stays from the mast to the pivot point on the deck.
Any Solutions for getting the gin pole more secure on the mast? I am fully aware that the mast can be lifted manually but not by two 5’1” 64 y/o women so let’s forego that suggestion. TIA
I went through what you are going through to try to get a working gin pole for mast raising. I was contemplating putting bands around the mast to try to stop it from sliding as I set up the gin pole. Seemed like a lot of trouble and not likely to work well.
Then I spotted a hole at the front of the mast - a little lower on the mast than I had planned, but workable. Measured the hole at 5/16", trotted off to Lowe's and bought some 5/16" threaded rod, and a 5/16" T--Nut. Cut the threaded rod to about 8" (double what I would bury in the mast) with my trusty hacksaw. Drilled and inserted the T-Nut into the saddle of the gin pole, and screwed the rod in at least half its length. Epoxied T-Nut and rod where it entered T-Nut to prevent anything from coming loose.
When I go to raise/lower the mast, I take the gin pole with the jib halyard already attached, insert the threaded rod into the mast hole, and tighten the Velcro clamp around the mast as tight as I can get it. Works like a champ.
You can see the threaded rod in the center of the saddle, and the velcro straps around the edge of the gin pole. My original gin pole was 2x4, that was not strong enough around the saddle, and the saddle broke in use (with mast crashing down, this was before baby stays). Rebuilt with 2x6 as shown in photo, and reinforced corners of saddle with angles from Lowe's.
Photo shows gin pole bottom side up. On the top side of the front (left) end of the gin pole is are 2 eyes - one in center for jib halyard, and a second eye to shackle the forestay to so it's accessible when I have the mast up. You can see the nuts for those 2 eyes on the gin pole bottom.
In your case, I would drill the mast hole between 1/4" and 3/8", and use the appropriate size threaded rod.
Fred W
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Sweet P
