Mast raising system for Macgregor

[Sumner]

The gin pole works fine during mast raising. It starts out vertical when the mast is down, and is near the deck when the mast is up. The problem is after I raise the mast, I would like to lay it up against the mast, but it binds on the mast base when it's still a few degrees out. I considered two ways I think I could get it to go, but before I tried anything, I found I could raise without it. I could waller out the bolt holes or dent it at the end maybe.
I don't have roller furling yet. It might be a while before I get the funding for that. Heck I just got the boat paid for! Actually I'm wanting to get a new main sorta like yours. It reminds me of my Hobie main. Full battens and loose footed, It makes a nice shape. Mine is the original '93 main, and it's stretched a good bit.
Jim
I attached a pic of my mast step. I don't know if it's different or not.
Oops,
I just looked at a pic of your mast step and they are different. Mine is actually a hinge and it looks like there isn't as much room for the gin pole to mount as on yours.

Here is a picture of mine.

Could you put a dog leg in the bracket at the bottom so that it lays back further at the top.

Ours doesn't come ....

....all the way back to the mast either. In fact I stated on the page...

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/macgregor/rigging-2.html

...about the mast raising system that we sail with it up there. That isn't true anymore. We always take it off and store it back at the side of the aft berth with all the other long stuff. I know others leave it attached and I could see that if you are day sailing and taking out at the end of the day that is probably a good deal,

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[justsomeguy]

So - - - Today I installed my mast raising system on my Mac 25. I've got a gin pole (7') installed at the forward base of the mast. A double pulley at the top of the gin pole and another tied to a horn cleat at the bow, just aft of the forestay attachment point. I attached the jib halyard to the other side of the gin pole, ran it through the jib pulley and made it fast to a cleat on the mast. The gin pole was set at a 10 degree angle from the vertical to aft. I ran the working end of the block and tackle line through a couple of fairleads and back to the starboard winch. All lines were taut and clear. I cranked and cranked and nothing happened. It got to a point where I couldn't turn the winch handle any more, but the mast never moved up from the rear support crotch it was laying on. Basically I rigged it just as "Sumner" did, with baby stays 6' up from the base of the mast and 2'2" out on each side. After reading some of the replys here, I'm wondering if the mast needs to be raised to a certain angle by hand (or crook?) before the raising jig will work. Am I correct?

Signed,

Stymied in San Diego
(Dave)

Too much friction in your fairleads? Got photos of your set-up yet?

 

[Sumner]

Too much friction in your fairleads? Got photos of your set-up yet?

I was going to mention that we don't run the line through any fairleads, but forgot ,

Sum

Our Endeavour 37

Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida

Our MacGregor S Pages

Mac-Venture Links

 

[timebandit]

You might have to give it a little start if it is very flat when starting the lift.

Add all the pressure and then go back and see how much it takes to lift the mast.

It may just take a few pounds and once started it will raise easier.

I just have three turns on my lifting block and tackle and don't use a winch but I start at about 6 feet above the gunnel and it is a hard pull to start.

So - - - Today I installed my mast raising system on my Mac 25. I've got a gin pole (7') installed at the forward base of the mast. A double pulley at the top of the gin pole and another tied to a horn cleat at the bow, just aft of the forestay attachment point. I attached the jib halyard to the other side of the gin pole, ran it through the jib pulley and made it fast to a cleat on the mast. The gin pole was set at a 10 degree angle from the vertical to aft. I ran the working end of the block and tackle line through a couple of fairleads and back to the starboard winch. All lines were taut and clear. I cranked and cranked and nothing happened. It got to a point where I couldn't turn the winch handle any more, but the mast never moved up from the rear support crotch it was laying on. Basically I rigged it just as "Sumner" did, with baby stays 6' up from the base of the mast and 2'2" out on each side. After reading some of the replys here, I'm wondering if the mast needs to be raised to a certain angle by hand (or crook?) before the raising jig will work. Am I correct?

Signed,

Stymied in San Diego
(Dave)

 

[MrMikey64]

Just wondering here

..how the mast plate is affecting the functionality of the raising system.
I installed a simple system (similar to TBs, IIRC) which utilizes a small modified anchor bracket mounted just forward of the mast plate, a gin pole, and a 3:1 block and tackle system attached between the top of the gin pole and the forestay chainplate. I am using as part of the block and tackle a fiddle block with a cam cleat, to hold the mast in any position along the way to clear lines, etc.
I was amazed how simple it was to implement - but then, I have a hinged mast plate, so I know the pivot point stays constant.
So, for those who do not have the hinged plate, I am wondering: how does the position of the mast affect the operation of the raising system? It would appear the different/changing(?) pivot point in the scenario is something that needs to be considered.

 

[timebandit]

I am just thinking here that maybe too much tension on the baby stays might keep the mast from raising.

I just pull the sag out of the stays, after all they just keep the mast from swing wildley from side. It is ok if it just moves a little.

Maybe yours are to tight to allow the mast to over the end.

 

[patrickfarley]

I made a mast raising system for my Macgregor 25 based on another plan I found in this forum. I took two 2x4 eight feet long and drilled half in holes in the ends of both. I put a bolt through the top and tied the base loosely to the lifeline stanchions. Then tied a line to from the bow to the bolt and hooked the jib halyard to the bolt. I then just pull on the jib halyard. The 2x4s move upward as the mast nears vertical. The mast cannot fall to the side even when a line catches and pulls while in a 15mph wind with speed boats going by.(Found out by doing) The one drawback is that I have to set it all the way back into the crutch if a line catches. I use the same system to lower the mast. When I get older I will add a pulley system with a locking cam.

 

[Duderboy]

Jrale- I welded a couple of steel 1.5" steel pipes (each about 7" long) to the front of my trailer. Then use a 8' solid 1" steel bar with a C bar bolted to the top where I hang my 4" pulley. Also attached an electric winch near the tongue of the trailer. Run the winch cable up through the the 4" pulley then connect to forestay mast rope.
With the winch control running the length of the boat, I can supprt the mast initially from side swing while the elec. winch does all the work. Winch unsnaps and stores away fast. Let me know if you want pictures. I have lots of each step.

 

[timebandit]

But you can not use it on the water if you want to go under a bridge.

Jrale- I welded a couple of steel 1.5" steel pipes (each about 7" long) to the front of my trailer. Then use a 8' solid 1" steel bar with a C bar bolted to the top where I hang my 4" pulley. Also attached an electric winch near the tongue of the trailer. Run the winch cable up through the the 4" pulley then connect to forestay mast rope.
With the winch control running the length of the boat, I can supprt the mast initially from side swing while the elec. winch does all the work. Winch unsnaps and stores away fast. Let me know if you want pictures. I have lots of each step.