I have a 1980 Hunter 27 and need to lower the mast. Can someone tell me how heavy the mast is and can it be lowered by hand or do I need a crane?
Thank You.
Thank You.
1980 Hunter 27
- Thread starter Clyde Lamp Jr
- Start date
Lowering spar on H25
Clyde, it is a hunk of aluminum, hollow, with some stuff on it. It weighs less than you think.
The 29-ft-long mast on my H25 weighs 66+/- lbs. I lowered it with the help of two of my 11th-grade students and an obliging porch-roof frame on the building directly ahead of the boat. The biggest hassle-- though we did not realize it at the time-- was that the aluminum was corroded after X number of years in the NJ Shore's salt air and would not part from the stainless-steel mast step. We had all the stays off and loose and were football-blocking it to free it. Honestly-- it was hard to believe then too.
When I got it off the boat my then-13-year-old daughter was on hand and I asked her if she could lift one end of this. Next I know she has it on her shoulder and it's starting off the blocks without me. I have since carried it several times by myself. The question of course is in finding a balancing point.
I hauled it up from the ground to put it onto the deck by myself, prior to the boat being trucked out of there. It was a lot of block-and-tackle work and scratching of the topsides (which needed painting anyway) and I finally called to a guy in the yard to push it up to me.
Of course the spar had no rigging attached when I've picked it up myself and the winches were taken off. It's a different story when it's fully rigged, with a furler, and all.
I would not recommend that you attempt to take down the spar without a crane. Your spar is like 32-34 feet high and your rigging is heavier. If you have a furler it's even worse as an idea. Where I am the marina will take down your spar for $125. They are insured and provide all the muscle and know-how. This is pocket money when you consider the alternative. Find someone like this and breathe easy.
Of course, if you do choose to go it on your own, please be considerate of the rest of us boaties and ensure there are no boats you don't want to pay to fix within about 40 feet of you. Thanks! :dance:
Clyde, it is a hunk of aluminum, hollow, with some stuff on it. It weighs less than you think.
The 29-ft-long mast on my H25 weighs 66+/- lbs. I lowered it with the help of two of my 11th-grade students and an obliging porch-roof frame on the building directly ahead of the boat. The biggest hassle-- though we did not realize it at the time-- was that the aluminum was corroded after X number of years in the NJ Shore's salt air and would not part from the stainless-steel mast step. We had all the stays off and loose and were football-blocking it to free it. Honestly-- it was hard to believe then too.
When I got it off the boat my then-13-year-old daughter was on hand and I asked her if she could lift one end of this. Next I know she has it on her shoulder and it's starting off the blocks without me. I have since carried it several times by myself. The question of course is in finding a balancing point.
I hauled it up from the ground to put it onto the deck by myself, prior to the boat being trucked out of there. It was a lot of block-and-tackle work and scratching of the topsides (which needed painting anyway) and I finally called to a guy in the yard to push it up to me.
Of course the spar had no rigging attached when I've picked it up myself and the winches were taken off. It's a different story when it's fully rigged, with a furler, and all.
I would not recommend that you attempt to take down the spar without a crane. Your spar is like 32-34 feet high and your rigging is heavier. If you have a furler it's even worse as an idea. Where I am the marina will take down your spar for $125. They are insured and provide all the muscle and know-how. This is pocket money when you consider the alternative. Find someone like this and breathe easy.
Of course, if you do choose to go it on your own, please be considerate of the rest of us boaties and ensure there are no boats you don't want to pay to fix within about 40 feet of you. Thanks! :dance:
Good advice and I will second that. Even though the weight is not the issue to some, the way to bring it down with someone who is not experienced will probably result I told you so and you may damage the mast and other boats. The best reason so no one is hurt. That not only would be expensive but the thought would weigh heavily on you. Second a yard crane and with folks who know what they are doing. I currently maintain a 27, 1981 for a BSA camp and know the boat.
We used to have a 1981 H27. Two people can carry the mast...might be a bit much for one but maybe.
Being on Lake Ontario we haul every winter which includes dropping the mast. The pier at our club is equipped with a rotating mast hoist for this purpose and then the boats are craned out (big mobile crane) onto their cradles.
Stepping (and u stepping) the mast normally a 4 person job...1 on the hoist winch, 1 guiding the foot, 1 with the furler so doesn't twist or kink, 1 on the pier as a general lookout and to hand the foot to as the mast rotates off the boat onto the pier to waiting saw horses.
As others have said unless you are experienced at this or have some help that is...have a yard do it for you. If you do take it on make sure the lifting strap is under the spreaders, above the balance point and that the hoist has the weight of the mast before you completely undue stays. It's ok to loosen then slightly before. Once used to doing this its not hard, just take your time and keep safety of all in mind... I don't recommend trying to do this by hand from the deck with no hoist/crane. Once it starts to lean you won't stop it from going in the water or on someone's head.
Being on Lake Ontario we haul every winter which includes dropping the mast. The pier at our club is equipped with a rotating mast hoist for this purpose and then the boats are craned out (big mobile crane) onto their cradles.
Stepping (and u stepping) the mast normally a 4 person job...1 on the hoist winch, 1 guiding the foot, 1 with the furler so doesn't twist or kink, 1 on the pier as a general lookout and to hand the foot to as the mast rotates off the boat onto the pier to waiting saw horses.
As others have said unless you are experienced at this or have some help that is...have a yard do it for you. If you do take it on make sure the lifting strap is under the spreaders, above the balance point and that the hoist has the weight of the mast before you completely undue stays. It's ok to loosen then slightly before. Once used to doing this its not hard, just take your time and keep safety of all in mind... I don't recommend trying to do this by hand from the deck with no hoist/crane. Once it starts to lean you won't stop it from going in the water or on someone's head.
The H-27 has a pretty tall mast and it is not hinged at the base, so unless you have modified the base you really can't raise it with a gin (Jin?) pole and an onboard winch.
You need either a crane or mast hoist. Many clubs and most marina's have the set up (and knowledge) to easily lift your mast on and off.....
You need either a crane or mast hoist. Many clubs and most marina's have the set up (and knowledge) to easily lift your mast on and off.....